Kevin Ash Obituary Kevin Daniel Ash, 34, beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend, formerly of Owatonna, Minnesota, passed away on January 15, 2017 at 12:50am from complications due to a traumatic brain injury that he sustained playing rugby on September 21, 2013. Kevin was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin on January 25, 1982. He graduated from Owatonna High School in Owatonna, MN and continued on to receive an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice- Law Enforcement from Riverland Community College in southern Minnesota. From 2002-2012, Kevin was proud to serve his country in the Minnesota Army National Guard with three Army active duty deployments (Kosovo 2003-2004, Iraq 2005-2007, Kuwait/Iraq 2011-2012.) He achieved the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in 2012 after his final deployment. During his deployments, he acted with compassion and honor for others in all that he did. He received numerous awards during his service (Iraq Campaign Medal w/two stars//Army Achievement. Medal//Army Good Conduct Medal//National Defense Service Medal//Global War on Terrorism Medal//Kosovo Campaign Medal//Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon//Army Service Ribbon//Service in Imminent Danger Area//Overseas Service Ribbon. Armed Services Resources Medal w/m Device// NATO Medal//Combat Infantryman Badge// Driver and Mechanic Badge w/Driver and Wheeled Vehicles. Kevin was evacuated out of Iraq to William Beaumont Hospital during his final deployment and was proud to be a Wounded Warrior Alumni. Kevin was married to Jessica Dale in October 2007, and they divorced in September 2012. Kevin worked as a security guard for Federated Insurance and as a machinist for Chicago Tube and Iron, both in Owatonna, Minnesota during the time between and after his military service. During high school Kevin worked at Target and Wenger Corporation in Owatonna, Minnesota. Kevin loved Tae Kwon Do and achieved the level of Black Belt. He enjoyed teaching Tae Kwon Do, video gaming, playing rugby on the Faribault Boksprings Rugby Team, and watching his brother play hockey. Kevin was an avid athlete and was training for an Iron Man completion at the time of his accident. He also enjoyed photography, and participating in Wounded Warrior activities. He was a brother with the Masons and was actively involved in Star in the East Lodge, Owatonna, Minnesota. He enjoyed participating in service projects within his community. Following his accident, Kevin enjoyed therapeutic riding sessions at Freedom Farm with fellow Wounded Warriors in Waverly, Minnesota. He also volunteered at Feline Rescue in St. Paul, Kevin is survived by his maternal grandparents John P and Doris Carlson of Newark, Ohio, his mother Joy Carlson Kieffer of Buffalo, Minnesota, step-father Steve Martin of Owatonna, Minnesota, and his father and step-mother Daniel and Gloria Ash of Austin, Minnesota, his brother Connor Martin of Buffalo, Minnesota, his sister Erica Ash (Dusty Gibson) of Paintsville, Kentucky, his nephew Gunner Gibson, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and other family and friends. Kevin is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Howard Ash and Marianne Ash of Cornell, Wisconsin, his great grandmothers Minnie Ash, Ruth Brown Hammer, also of Cornell, Wisconsin, Peter and Gladys Carlson of Wheaton, Minnesota and Mae Ellen Taylor Conklin, of Newark, Ohio. Memorial donations may be given in honor of Sergeant Kevin Ash to any of the following organizations: Wounded Warrior Family Support; Wounded Warriors, Freedom Farm, Star in the East Lodge, church of choice, Concussion Legacy Foundation, Caring Bridge, or charity of the donors choice. The families of Joy Kieffer and Daniel Ash wishes to thank all those who held Kevin up in prayer through his deployments and these past 41 months following his injury. Reid Gilbert of Buffalo Covenant Church will be officiating Kevin's service. Visitation will be held at David Lee Funeral Home from 5-7 PM Friday January 20, 2017. Memorial service on Saturday January 21, 2017 at David Lee Funeral Home at 12 Noon. Burial with military honors will be held at Fort Snelling Cemetery later this spring. Memorial 12:00 PM ,Saturday, January 21, 2017 David Lee Funeral Home 1220 E Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391 Wake/Visitation 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM ,Friday, January 20, 2017 David Lee Funeral Home 1220 E Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391