Kenneth Dwight Caldwell, 63, a dedicated firefighter and Lion, a self-employed cross-country trucker, and beloved friend to many, passed away peacefully in his home in LaCrosse, Indiana, and embarked on his last final road trip across the great highway in the sky on June 6, 2024. His passing, which occurred mere hours after responding to a brush fire as a tanker operator, has left an indelible void in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. Born on March 20, 1961, in the military town of Fort Ord, California, Ken lived a life marked by kindness, selflessness, and a friendly spirit that endeared him to all who knew him. His life was filled with service to others, telling his favorite stories to everyone he encountered, and extending a helping hand to anyone in need and a friendly wave to those he passed, driving in his red Peterbilt or his beloved and very recognizable Green Ford pickup.
Ken grew up in a close-knit family and is survived by his mother, Mary Nell (Duncan) Caldwell; his brother and sister-in-law, William (Bill) and Elizabeth Caldwell; his sister and brother-in-law, Glenda Caldwell and Don Mathes; as well as his treasured nephew and nieces, Christopher and Kassidy Caldwell, Breanna and Bret Doorenbos and their two sons Kasen and Barrett, and Kate and Thomas Duff and their son Noah. All through the years, his nieces and nephew could always count on their Kenuncle for jokes, stories, and support. Ken was preceded in death by his father, Max Caldwell, and niece, Jessica Mathes, whose memories he carried with him throughout his life. In addition to his family, Ken’s life was filled with friends with such strong connections that they had become family, too. Ken's heart also belonged to the open road and his beloved Border Collies, Rose, Lacey, and Bonnie. These faithful companions were more than pets; they were Ken's family, riding alongside him as he crisscrossed the nation, sharing in the adventures and the quiet companionship that only such loyal friends can provide.
After attending Des Moines Area Community College, Ken's education and strong work ethic paved the way for a successful career. He honed his skills as a Service Manager for Ruan and a Field Mechanic for Western Geophysical before becoming a self-employed trucker in 2000. His profession took him on countless journeys across the country, logging over 2,000,000 miles in his well-known Red Peterbilt. His work was not just a means to an end; it was a passion that fulfilled him greatly. His ability to fix anything with wheels (and some things without) was second only to his knack for fixing a frown with a well-timed wisecrack or story. Due to all his time logged behind the wheel, he also spent countless hours keeping in touch with friends and family across the country, catching up on the news while knocking out miles toward his next destination.
Ken's life was not just defined by his career; it was a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and community involvement. As a dedicated firefighter for the LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department, he exemplified courage and an unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of his community. Ken was an exceptional department asset, sworn in on August 1st, 2001, and he quickly became known for his exceptional skills in maintaining equipment and apparatus to the highest standards. There was not an engine that he would shy away from fixing, inspecting, or operating. Ken made every single emergency call for service that he could. When he was in town, he responded to every call, whether day or night. You could see him rushing to the station, coming in his 1978 green Ford, on his Dirt Bike, or sometimes, if “old trusty” had died, he’d run from his house or he could be seen running from Delams if a call came him while there eating lunch with his lunch crew. Once on scene, he did anything and everything asked of him, to the best of his ability, every time.
His generosity of spirit also found a home with the LaCrosse Lions Club, which he joined in 1995. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was grilling pork chops, frying fish, or delivering food baskets to families in need. In October 2021, he was chosen to receive the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Ken’s work behind the scenes is what really makes a difference. He’s been an excellent right-hand man, offering help wherever needed. He would be seen setting up the grills the night before or cleaning out coolers after everyone else had gone home from a pork chop event. He’s frying fish, and then emptying the old grease from the bus after fries. However, where he once again made a key impact is through all of the maintenance work provided to the Lions Mobile Kitchen. Not only did he do its regular maintenance, he kept it cleaned and helped stock it with supplies. Ken truly embodies the spirit of a Lion, men and women who volunteer their time and their energy by serving. He has been doing this for twenty-nine years, serving his club and community.
Friends and family will remember Ken as the embodiment of kindness, a pillar in the lives of those around him, and a friendly soul who never met a stranger, only friends he hadn't yet made. His humor, warm presence, and gift for storytelling and report writing (pure comedy) will be profoundly missed, but the impact of his generous spirit will continue to resonate in the countless lives he touched. Ken's journey on earth has come to a close, but the memories he created, the lives he enriched, and the love he shared will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him. His example of living a life of service and love will continue to inspire and guide us. As stories of Ken have been shared in recent days, one theme is repeated: the world would be a much better place if we were all more like Ken.
Ken's passing has been classified as a Line of Duty Death. He will receive the highest honors bestowed upon a firefighter in service to his community, a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to the safety and well-being of others. As we bid farewell to Ken, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved. Ken's story is not one of sorrow, but rather a story of a journey full of love, service, and the open road. May he rest in peace, knowing he left this world better than he found it, with a legacy of love that will endure.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, June 17th, 2024, at The Center of LaCrosse, 100 S. Washington Street in LaCrosse. A visitation will take place from 3 to 6 p.m., with a service honoring Ken’s life beginning at 6 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department or the LaCrosse Lions Club. For those wishing to have flowers delivered, florists can make deliveries to The Center from 8 a.m. until the time of service.
