Kevin Lageschulte

Kevin Lageschulte, 63, passed away September 16, 2018 of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pancreatic cancer, in the comfort of his home with his wife and family at his side.  He was born on June 24, 1955 in Waverly, Iowa to Paul and Betty (Baskins) Lageschulte. He graduated from Waverly High School, participating in Track and Field, Cross Country and Wrestling.  He and his siblings developed a strong work ethic on their farm in Waverly. He graduated from North Iowa Community College in Mason City in 1975 with an associate degree in mechanical design technology.  He married Barbara Evans in 1975 and they brought a son, Kraig Lageschulte into the world.  He married Janel Rutzen in 1989 and together, they had two daughters, Kelli and Jill.  He was a devoted family man, highly involved in the activities of his children, attending every sporting, theater, art or other events with which they were involved.  No matter the distance to travel, he and Janel never missed a chance to encourage, cheer on and share pride in everything their three children accomplished.  Kevin touched so many lives, not only with his family, his work at Fisher/Emerson and in the Marshalltown community, but across the world.  Kevin was very community-minded - - if it had anything to do with Marshalltown, chances are, Kevin’s name was associated with it and he was well-known for his generosity and volunteerism. An avid sports fan, Kevin supported several sports at Marshalltown High School by announcing at home wrestling meets, helping at the Hershey track meet, Special Olympic, at track meets and cross country meets.    Kevin enjoyed gardening, loved sharing the produce and making salsa.  He was also renowned by family and friends for having perfected his jerky recipe and was proud to have won the chili cook off championship three times at Fisher Controls.  He and Janel hosted several foreign exchange students who were attending MCC, taking them into their home and welcoming them into the family and the community.  He actively volunteered with the Marshalltown Police Department, raising money for the K-9 unit and raising awareness for the new Police Department/Fire Department building.  He portrayed Greenleaf Woodbury at Cemetary Tours and many times on History Day at local schools, served on the Board of Adjustments and worked several years with Junior Achievement.  His volunteerism continued through his involvement with Marshalltown Evening Lions Club, serving as president a number of times, receiving Lion of the Year Award, Melvin Jones Award and the International President’s certificate of appreciation.  He liked being in charge of the many fund-raising efforts whether it was food trailer sales, soup and pie, popcorn or peach sales.  Kevin’s biggest community love was with Marshalltown Community Theatre.  He loved acting on the stage and played many memorable roles over his 35-year association with MCT.  He is best known by his beloved MCT family for building amazing stage sets. Kevin loved a challenge and prided himself on constructing stout stages that would withstand any abuses the actors needed to dish out.  Kevin spent his entire 43-year career at Fisher Controls/Emerson in Marshalltown.  Upon his retirement September 1st, 2018, he was leading the Customer Drawing Team for Specials/Nuclear.  Honorary pallbearers are: Jon Lageschulte, Kraig Lageschulte, Tommy Thurston, Adam McDonnell, Jack Youngblood, Kevin Holubar, Rick Gooding, Tim Fienup, Jim Rutzen, Dan Roberts, Don Anderson, Judy Stone.  Left to cherish his generous memory are his wife, Janel, son Kraig (Meredith) Lageschulte and their children Myles and Kennedy Goldman; daughters Kelli (Thomas) Thurston and daughter Aralia; Jill (Adam) McDonnell and their son, Kallen, siblings Lynda Perry, Jon (Mary) Lageschulte as well as countless friends who Kevin loved and treated like family. Staying true to Kevin's generous nature he donated his body to the Des Monies University to help others in the study of medicine. In Kevin’s honor, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, you volunteer in your community, for Marshalltown Evening Lions Club, Marshalltown Community Theatre or make a donation.  A celebration of life will be held at Marshalltown Community Theatre, Martha Ellen Tye Playhouse on Saturday, October 6th.  The family will receive guests at 1:00pm with formal remembrances beginning at 3:00.