Kenneth Leon Kinzer, 82, died on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Azria Health Rose Vista in Woodbine. He was born on Jan. 24, 1944, in Council Bluffs, to Thomas Leonard and Virginia Belle (Hemmingsen) Kinzer. He grew up on a farm outside of Oakland, and graduated from Oakland High School in 1962. On Oct. 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. 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 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, Steven Kinzer and his wife Carol Ann of Alpharetta, Ga., Starr and her husband Keith Herrington of Omaha, Neb. and Samuel Kinzer and his wife Susan of North Liberty; 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, Mo. and Craig Kinzer of Council Bluffs; and many other relatives and friends.
A Funeral Service was held for Ken on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Community of Christ Church in Woodbine. Noel Sherer and Curtis Lee officiated the service. Musicians were Amy Sherer and Sam Kinzer. The musical selections were “The Lord’s Prayer” sang by Sam Kinzer and “Old, Old Path”. The pallbearers were Ken’s seven grandchildren. Ken’s final resting place is Belknap Cemetery in Oakland.
Services entrusted to Fouts Funeral Home. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
