Kenneth Dean Blockhus

Kenneth Dean Blockhus, 94, of Elgin, Iowa passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025 at Good Samaritan Care Center, West Union, Iowa after residing three years at Copper Creek Senior Living Center, West Union. He was born on October 2, 1931 in Elgin, Iowa, to Michael and Olga (Gilbertson) Blockhus.

Kenneth attended Groth School, Marion Township #3, for eight years and graduated from Elgin High School in 1949. He attended Iowa State College for the winter quarter in 1950. Kenneth worked in partnership with his father as a farmer until August 1954.

On August 20 (1954) Kenneth married Harriet Evelyn Juhl from Nashua, Iowa. Harriet was an elementary teacher at the Elgin School. Three daughters were born to this union: Janice, Joyce, and Jean.

Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Army, September, 1954, and served for two years with most of his military time stationed in Japan. While serving his country, Ken's wife, Harriet, taught school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Following Ken's service in the Army, Harriet and Kenneth moved to the Blockhus home farm near Elgin, Iowa, where he was a dairy farmer for 40 years.

Kenneth was baptized, confirmed, and remained an active member of East Clermont Lutheran Church his entire life. He held many roles such as Sunday School Superintendent, Church Councilman and was always willing to help with church activities of any kind. Kenneth was also a dedicated member of the Elgin American Legion, Fayette County Farm Bureau (serving as President from 1969–1970), Elgin Lions Club, and Elgin Historical Society.

Kenneth was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife Harriet of 71 years. Daughters: Janice (Thomas) Segerstrom of Jackson, Wyoming; Joyce (Joseph) Klimesh of Omaha, Nebraska; and Jean (Anthony) Grover of Overland Park, Kansas. Grandchildren: Kimberly (Landon) Lacy, Jack Klimesh, Tanya Grover (Tyler Shepherd) and Sophia Grover. One great-grandchild, Theodore Lacy. Extended family: Ron (Ardel) McCartney, Kara McCartney (Amit Nayak), Zeke (Theresa) McCartney and their two daughters, Lily and Quinn.

Kenneth was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael Jr., who was killed in World War II and Harlan, a Lutheran pastor; a sister, Bernice Blockhus Baird; and parents, Michael Sr. and Olga (Gilbertson) Blockhus.

Visitation will be Monday, November 3, 2025 from 4-7 pm at East Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont and also one hour before services at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral Services will be at 11:30 am on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at East Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Ron Roberts as the Officiant.

Burial with Military Rites and Reception will follow services at East Clermont Lutheran Cemetery and Church.

Memorials in Kenneth's honor may be given to the Elgin Historical Society, Friends of Elgin Library, or East Clermont Lutheran Perpetual Cemetery Fund.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.