Kenneth Handel was born on March 10, 1935 to William and Pauline Handel in Shafter, Ca. He was the second of the three boys. He attended the Shafter area schools from kindergarten until his graduation from Shafter High School. After graduation Kenny attended the University of California in Davis and obtained a degree in Agricultural Business. After university, Kenny returned to Shafter to work for the family business, W.C. Handel and Sons and began a family. Kenny had many diverse and dynamic interests. He was an accomplished athlete, and avid outdoorsman, talented mechanic, and generous community contributor. His commitment to his many interests, however, pale in comparison to the commitment and devotion he had for his family. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and older brother Lloyd Handel. He is survived by his wife and love of his life Wanda Handel; his younger brother Glenn Handel and wife Beverly; his four beloved children Kim Cooper and husband Rick, Bruce Handel and wife Joan, Amy Handel, and Lisa McGuire; four grandchildren Garrett Cooper, Kyle Cooper and wife Lana, Christopher Handel, Lindsee Handel; and great- granddaughter Madelynn Cooper. With Kenny gone now, the Sierra Nevadas will know no greater patron, the Central Valley will never know a more ardent farmer, and big fish everywhere will rest a little easier. But Kennys loss will not only create a void in the California landscape but in the Shafter community as well. Serene Storslett and Maureen Nuckles will miss the stories and comedic one- liners that Kenny told while they helped him manage his finances, and the lovely tellers of Mission Bank will miss their regular visits with Kenny and will most likely need to find another way to unload all those green suckers. Kennys commitment to make his life and the lives of those around him more enjoyable, made him widely adored and admired. He was an amazing son, brother, cousin, husband, father, father- in- law, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and employer. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, employees, and community at large. We the family of Kenny Handel appreciate the outpouring of support from Kennys dear friends, our friends, the local community, and the medical and service professionals who have helped us and Kenny. Your devotion to Kenny and our family has meant the world to us, and we will be forever grateful for your support. The family of Kenny Handel would like to give special thanks to Hoffmann Hospice and Around the Clock Caregivers for their amazing service and tender care of our beloved Kenny. Please continue to preserve the fond sentiments we all share, and celebrate Kenny by re-telling the jokes, anecdotes, and stories we all have come to know and love with one another. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10am at Shafter Memorial Park. A viewing will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 from 5-8pm at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, California.