Obituaries : Kenneth LeRoy "Pa" Lieb

On Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, Kenneth LeRoy "Pa" Lieb passed away following a brief illness, not COVID-19 related, surrounded by his loving children.
Ken was born July 30, 1931, to Carl and Esther (Jacobsen) Lieb in Atkins, Iowa. He graduated from the Atkins High School in 1949, after which time he began his career as a third-generation carpenter with Lieb & Sons Construction, the family business. He proudly served his country from 1952 to 1954 in the Korean War at the front, where he laid lines for communication. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, ROK Presidential Unit Citation and good Conduct Medal. He was most recently recognized by the Korean Government for his participation in their cause. Shortly after returning, Ken went to work at Collins Radio until his retirement in 1989. He served on the Atkins Volunteer Fire Department, as a Boy Scout troop leader, youth group leader and Atkins council member.
On July 10, 1960, he married the love of his life, Ida Mae Miller. They would go on to have two beautiful daughters, Mary Kay and Lynda. Ken and Ida were married for 53 years.

Ken is survived by his brother, Thomas (Diane) Lieb; his two daughters, Mary Kay (David) Casteel and Lynda Lieb; three grandchildren, Kendra Lieb, Kaitlin Casteel (Alex Lyons) and Ethan Lieb; four great-grandchildren, Madalyn Donley, Charlee and Jensen Allen and Oliver Lyons; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
He touched many lives by regaling memories of Korea, his quick-witted sense of humor, innate ability for storytelling and being kind to all. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either UnityPoint Hospice (wwww.unitypoint.org) or to The Freedom Foundation which provides a great service for Veterans in need in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, area (https://usfreedomfoundation.org).