Kenneth H. Hinners

Kenneth "The Rock" Hinners, age 93 of Pomeroy, Iowa, died peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Kenny was born December 5, 1932 in Maple River, Iowa, the son of William and Catherine (Korwes) Hinners. He was baptized in the Catholic faith as an infant. He remained a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and a faithful parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pomeroy and later Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Fonda. Kenny regularly attended both daily and Sunday Mass and was often found in his usual spot in the back corner pew. In his youth, Kenny attended country school and then Laurens High School in Laurens, Iowa. He graduated with the Class of 1951. He played basketball and football.

After a whirlwind romance, he married the love of his life, Katherine Benedict on October 2, 1954 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pomeroy, Iowa. They were able to spend over 60 years together before her passing in 2016. Together they were blessed with fourteen children.

Kenny began working as a skilled laborer at a young age at the St. John's Lutheran Church. He learned the trade from the ground up-cutting stone and mastering the craft-before becoming a mason and bricklayer. His career would span for well over 70 years, evidence of his work can be found in many places including bell tower of the Catholic Church in Pomeroy, the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Our Lady of Good Counsel School, and in countless foundations, buildings, and projects for family, friends, and neighbors. He was proud of his work-and rightly so. Well into his 80s, Kenny could still be found moving and setting stone, building foundations, and fixing just about anything that needed fixing. His incredible work ethic was passed down through the generations.

In his younger years, Kenny did it all! He enjoyed bowling, golfing, skating, playing pool, throwing darts and playing slow-pitch softball. You name it, he did it. As he got older, he could often be found competing in cribbage tournaments and having coffee while playing cards. He was an avid sports fan and rarely missed a Newell-Fonda Mustangs home game, loudly cheering and offering plenty of coaching advice from the stands. He was also a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Annual trips to southern Iowa to hunt with his boys were something he looked forward to every year. And you could rarely find Kenny without a Western either in his hand or on the television.

Kenny devoted his life to teaching others-lessons rooted in firmness, discipline, responsibility, and hard work. He truly lived and breathed his nickname, "The Rock." He was hard-headed in the best and truest sense-his way or the highway-with high expectations for himself and everyone around him.

Kenny maintained a lifelong, outspoken relationship with the Lord-never missing a prayer and never hesitating to question the fine print-and had a colorful talent for cursing anything from a coffee cup to his dogs. Kenny was the kind of man who'd argue with heaven but still say grace before dinner. He also had a special knack for validating blown tires, parking spaces, one-way streets, and heaters. And yes-it was always hot, Kenny.

As the generations grew, it was impossible to miss how deeply Grandpa Kenny loved his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchild. His eyes lit up whenever they visited, and he never missed the chance to hold a new addition to the family. He will be missed by all 100 of them. His legacy will live on through them all.

Kenneth is survived by his children, Michael Hinners of Pomeroy, IA; Kimberly (Mike) Hart of Atlanta, GA; Timothy (Barb) Hinners of Pomeroy, IA; Stephanie (Chuck) Long, Pomeroy, IA; Sandi (Roger) Huster, Sac City, IA; Darren Hinners of Pomeroy, IA; Gabrielle (Doug) Hepperle of Pomeroy, IA; Kendra (Bryan) Williams, New Rochelle, NY; Paul (Sonja) Hinners of Centerville, IA; Alicia Staiert of Pomeroy, IA; Brock (Janelle) Hinners of Pomeroy, IA; 44 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson; 8 brothers, 3 sisters and his pal, Cary Conger; along with many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kay; infant twins, Angela and Alfred; son, Tony and brothers, Dale and Jim.

Kenny's family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and expressions of sympathy.