Ken Slothouber

Obituary of Ken Slothouber

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Kenneth "Ken" Wayne Slothouber, 85, of Grinnell, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, at Windsor Manor in Grinnell, surrounded by his loving family.

Ken was born on October 7, 1939, in Boyden, Iowa, the son of Cornelius "Casey" and Johanna (Bosma) Slothouber. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Boyden High School. His early years in 4-H, showing livestock at the county fair, sparked a lifelong love of farming and the outdoors. After high school, Ken went on to earn his bachelor's degree in education at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. He began his career as a junior high math teacher, first in Oakland, Iowa, then in Audubon, Iowa, where he also enjoyed coaching junior high girls basketball. While teaching, he pursued his master's degree in education from the University of Arizona, attending classes during summer breaks.

After 12 years in education, Ken was elected as County Auditor, first serving Audubon County and later Jasper County after moving to Newton. He retired from public service in 2005.

Ken was married to Donna (Newendorp), and together they raised two children, Angela and Kurt. On July 1, 1994, he married Judie (Jordan) Johnston, and he welcomed her children Terri, Doug, and Sherri into the family. Together, Ken and Judie built a warm and happy home in Newton.

Ken was known for his love of golfing, traveling to warmer places with Judie in the winter, grilling outdoors, and sharing plenty of laughter as a good-natured jokester. To be teased by Ken was to be loved by Ken!! He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing, and farming with his friend Rich McVinue, all hobbies that reflected his farm upbringing. Above all, he cherished time with family, friends, and his beloved dog, Joey.

Ken was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Newton, as well as the Lions Club, Kiwanis, Free Masons, Shriners Hospital, and the Iowa State Association of County Auditors, where he once served as president.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Angie Wilderman of Dallas Center and Kurt (Kelli) Slothouber of Highlands Ranch, CO, and; stepchildren, Terri (Brad) Hier of Baxter, Doug (Mindy) Johnston of Montezuma, and Sherri (Rick Caruthers) Johnston of Newton, his sister, Jean Hoffman of Des Moines, WA, 13 grandchildren, Michael (Leslie) Billings, Lance (Abi) Johnston, Chantelle (Kody) Nielsen, Lex (Charyl) Johnston, Spencer Johnston, Logan (Tiffany) Johnston, Arik Hier, Blake Hier, Brianna Wilderman, Jordan Rekemeyer, Hope (Derek) Holschlag, Jordan Slothouber, and Taylor Slothouber; 14 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Judie; his son-in-law, Kelly Wilderman; his brother-in-law, Gerald Hoffman, and step-great-granddaughter Makenna Warden.

A memorial service for Ken will be at 11:00 a.m. on November 8 at First United Methodist Church in Newton. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Suncrest Hospice (Des Moines) and sent by mail, brought to the service, or sent to Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton.

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