Kenneth Steil

Kenneth Steil

FOREST CITY - Kenneth (Kenny, Ken) Steil passed away on September 11, 2023 at Good Sam in Forest City. The entire family had been home and spent quality time with their Dad and Grandpa.

Kenny married the love of his life Joycelyn Peterson June 3, 1966. They had their first child, Todd in 1967 and less than 11 months later their daughter Wendy was born. Wendy was supposed to be named Suzanne, but on Kenny's way to fill out his daughter's birth certificate he decided he would name her Windy. Unfortunately, for Kenny the hospital misspelled her name to Wendy. This is a typical Kenny story! His lovely wife just shook her head… In 1971 they settled into Leland to make their home and raise their family.

Ken enjoyed quiet time with Joyce including reading, gardening, and road trips. They often sat on the back deck together just enjoying each other's company. He loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. Kenny did so much for so many children while coaching his son's baseball and hockey teams. Papa Kenny loved watching his granddaughter, Taylor, play softball and basketball and cheering on his grandson, Jacob, at rock climbing events. Papa Kenny was always his grandchildren's biggest fan! Kenny's other passion was bicycle riding. He would ride before and after work and even ride 100-200 miles a day on a Saturday! One summer Ken rode his bike from home to St. Louis. He rode 554 miles in 4 days!

Kenny graduated from Mason City High School. Kenny held many jobs during his life including 3M and his favorite job ever was driving the school bus for Forest City Schools. Driving the school bus was a unique way to show his love and kindness for children. Ken was also member of the Leland City Council. He loved children so much that he donated the money he earned from the city to the Leland Park Fund and was instrumental in having the fence erected around the Leland Park.

Kenneth's legacy would be his love and generosity that knows no bounds. It was evident in the love he had for his family and the countless connections he made with children.

Kennth was preceded in death by Leonard and Dorothy Steil (parents); Joycelyn (beloved wife); Elmer and Beatrice Stolz (aunt and uncle); Labonna Snell (aunt); John and Lillian Dameron (aunt and uncle); John and Madeline Dameron (grandparents). He is survived by his son, Todd (Stacey); daughter, Wendy and grandchildren, Taylor and Jacob.

A special thank you to Papa Kenny's grandson Jacob for moving from Phoenix to Leland to be closer to his grandpa to help him and protect him.

Also, thank you to all who visited our Dad. Especially Lee Cornick who spent so much time visiting and was an amazing friend and brother to our Dad. Daryl Heimer for countless visits, help and creating special memories for our dad. Additionally, thank you to Jen Mary and Lisa Brighton for all their help while our Dad was at Good Sam.

A very special thank you to Bus 6! You kids brought so much joy to our Dad!

Todd, Stacey, Taylor, Jacob, and Wendy all rejoice knowing our parents and grandparents are reunited in heaven.

A service will be held on November 4, 2023 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland, Iowa from 1-3 pm. We welcome all family and friends.

If you are unable to attend correspondence can be sent to Wendy Steil, 10157 Stockwell Dr., Fishers, IN 46038