Ken Kinzer

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     Kenneth Leon Kinzer was born on January 24, 1944, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Thomas Leonard and Virginia Belle (Hemmingsen) Kinzer. He grew up on a farm outside of Oakland, Iowa and graduated from Oakland High School in 1962. On October 12, 1963, Ken was united in marriage to Joyce Durick at the St. John United Church of Christ in Council Bluffs. They were blessed with four children, Scott, Steven, Starr and Samuel. Ken worked for many years in the livestock industry as a hog buyer and farmer. He also worked at the Schemmer Rock Quarry in Logan, Iowa. The family lived in rural Iowa communities near Crescent, Villisca, Dunlap and Woodbine. Ken was a member of the Community of Christ Church where he served as a Deacon.

     Ken was more than just a farmer; he was a steward of the land, cultivating not only crops but connections, grounding those around him in a sense of purpose and shared experience. His sunroom was a favorite retreat where he could often be found cradling a big cup of coffee. Ken was a dedicated member of the Guthrie Grove Camp Board. His contributions to the camp were marked by a genuine desire to enhance the experiences of others. Later on, his days were filled with the sounds of cowboy shows on the television. Ken is remembered for the steadfast love he held for his family. His commitment to nurturing those relationships was evident to all who witnessed the deep bonds he formed with them.

     Ken died on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Azria Health Rose Vista in Woodbine at the age of 82 years, one month and 11 days.

     Ken was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Kinzer of Woodbine; children, Scott Kinzer and his wife Leesa of Denison, Iowa, Steven Kinzer and his wife Carol Ann of Alpharetta, Georgia, Starr and her husband Keith Herrington of Omaha, Nebraska and Samuel Kinzer and his wife Susan of North Liberty, Iowa; grandchildren, Paige Kinzer, Sydney and her husband Barry Buehler, Bryce Herrington, Grant Herrington, Jack Kinzer, Nathan Kinzer and Maxwell Kinzer; great granddaughter, Maisie and her little brother joining them in May; siblings, Lynette Davenport of Columbia, Missouri and Craig Kinzer of Council Bluffs; and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Woodbine Community of Christ or the Woodbine Fire and Rescue Department.