Kenneth Strong, 85, of Elgin, Iowa died Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Stoney Brook Village, West Union, Iowa. Kenneth Wilbert was born February 12, 1936 to L. Harold and Zella Mabel (King) Strong in rural Fayette County, Iowa. He was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of Illyria Community Church. He graduated from West Union High School in 1954. Kenny joined and served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957.
On October 14, 1956, Kenny was united in marriage with Beverly Alice Howard at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Elgin, Iowa. Four children were born to this union. Kenny farmed his entire life, taking pride in maintaining an accredited Century Farm. In high school, he played football and was a skilled wrestler. Years later, Kenny was inducted into North Fayette Wrestling Hall of Fame and was instrumental in starting the wrestling program at Valley Community School. He was a member on the West Union CO-OP Board of Directors, Illyria Church Board, Iowa/ Minnesota Stateline Horse Plowing Association, Valley School Board, Farm Business Association, and Elgin Historical Society. Kenny orchestrated many family vacations and in later years he and Bev traveled the US and Canada.
Kenny thoroughly enjoyed his Belgian horses. The local communities were treated to wagon rides and parade entries over the years. The family has many fond memories of trail rides and sleigh rides. The grandkids especially enjoyed their turn at sitting up top of the wagon and helping Grandpa drive the horses. He was a huge fan of the Waverly Horse Sale.
Kenny’s family was precious to him. He was a great storyteller and enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors. Kenny was always willing to help when needs arose.
Surviving Kenny are his wife, Bev Strong of Elgin, Iowa; his children, Chris (Robyn) Strong of Elgin, Iowa, Carol (Leon) Griebenow of Elgin, Iowa and Linda Davis of Wadena, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren, Loren Strong, Michael (Amy) Strong, Aaron (Kelsey) Strong, Rachael (Robbie) Kerr, Andrew (Jill) Griebenow, Joan (Scott) Funke, Kayla (Jordan) Pollock, Leah (Marty) Broman, Robert (Danielle) Helgerson, John (Caitlyn) Helgerson, Brandon (Heather) Davis, Joelle (Jason Schuhmacher) Davis and Logan (fiancée, Meredith Williams) Davis; seventeen great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Mike Helgerson of West Union, Iowa; sister-in-law, Patricia Strong; brothers-in-law Roger (Doris) Howard and Don Bodensteiner; and many nieces and nephews.
Kenny was preceded in death by his daughter, Janet Strong Helgerson; parents, L. Harold and Zella Strong; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Archie and Alice Howard; son-in-law, Rick Davis; and his siblings, Charles and Margaret “Peggy” Strong, Myrten and Mary Strong, Arthur Strong and Iantha and John Staffenhagen; sisters-in-law, Anne Bodensteiner, Shirley and Don Dominy.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Illyria Community Church, rural Elgin, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday.
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Illyria Community Church, 2431 Filmore Rd, Elgin, Iowa with Pastor Pam Reinig as the officiant.
Burial with military rites will follow in Illyria Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.
Due to Covid-19, masks are recommended.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elgin, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.