Kenneth Tatro

Kenneth Eldridge Tatro passed away December 15, 2024, due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

Kenneth “Ken” Tatro was born on January 1, 1943, to Anna Beatrice “Bea” and Eldridge “Spud” Tatro. Growing up in Manly, Iowa, he was a small-town kid who liked being ornery with all of his friends and playing school football. By the age of 19, he met the love of his life at a horse show and not long after they were married on October 11, 1964. Ken was drafted for the Vietnam War where he would later only tell stories of the sand volleyball games he played with friends and nothing more.

After leaving the Army, Ken returned home to Iowa and built a beautiful forever home with Jeannie on a hill. Ken owned a successful optical store where he assisted countless customers and treated his employees like family. He served as president of the OAI and OAA, as well as being an Education Committee Chairman. Ken and Jeannie welcomed a daughter and a son that were, in his words, “the greatest achievements of my life”. Teaching his kids to ski on the water and the mountains were some of Ken’s greatest joys. Behind the wheel of a boat or woodworking in his shop were his favorite places to be. Taking his many Geezer ski trips to Colorado and lake days in Minnesota with family and friends were some of his favorite memories. In his later years, he enjoyed watching reruns of “Mash” and British sitcoms on PBS, working outside on countless landscape projects with his wife and spending time with his four grandkids.

Ken was loved and will be greatly missed by his wife of 60 years, Jeannie Tatro; a daughter, son-in-law, and grandson; his son, Charlie (Kate) Tatro with granddaughters Macy, Meredith, and Morgan Tatro; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

While Ken’s wishes were that no funeral services be held, we ask that instead you listen to his favorite singing sensation, Patsy Cline, and celebrate the long and very full life that Ken Tatro had lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease.

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