Heien, Kenneth George 1931-2015

HEIEN, BAACK, OLSON, SEATON

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/11/2016 at 08:47:42

LE MARS, Iowa | Kenneth G. Heien, 84, of Le Mars passed away on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Le Mars. The Rev. Dr. Jean Ziettlow and the Rev. Chris Meier will officiate. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memory Gardens at Le Mars, with military honors conducted by Wasmer Post 241 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, with the family present 5 to 7 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Mauer–Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the service Tuesday at the church.

Kenneth George Heien was born on Nov. 8, 1931, in Craig, Iowa, to Otto and Louise (Baack) Heien. On Jan. 15, 1952, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Porter during the Korean War. He earned his honorable discharge on Dec. 12, 1953. After the service, Kenneth farmed in the area.

On Dec. 29, 1951, Kenneth and Violet Olson were united in marriage in Le Mars. They were blessed with seven children. Kenneth took a position at Wilson Trailer in Sioux City. Violet passed away on Nov. 18, 1978.

On Feb. 14, 1981, Kenneth and Inez Seaton were united in marriage at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Le Mars. This increased the family by nine children. Kenneth worked at IBP in Dakota City, Neb., for 25 years before retiring in 1995. During that time Kenneth also operated a small-engine repair business out of his home.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Le Mars. He was also a 56-year member of Wasmer Post 241 of the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing with Inez, working in his shop, watching Westerns and pro wrestling on TV. His family wants to thank Hospice of Siouxland, Melanie Kruse, and the Rev. Dr. Jean Ziettlow for all of their care.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Inez of Le Mars; children, Peggy (Myron) Joens of Quimby, Iowa, June (Melvin) Muth of Ireton, Iowa, Judy Schulz of Le Mars, Steve (Vicki) Heien of Bennett, N.C., and Rich (Kathie) Heien of Hawarden, Iowa; 41 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Carol Roberts of Creston, Iowa, Chuck Smith of South Sioux City, Ralph (Margo) Smith of South Sioux City, Larry (Patty) Smith of Sioux City, Audrey Navrude of Marcus, Iowa, Ron (Pam) Smith of South Sioux City, Deb (Butch) Buys of Westfield, Iowa, Bob (Kelly) Smith of Sioux City, and Alice (Dennis) Holgate of Le Mars; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Violet; two daughters, Pam and Laura; a grandson, Ryan Utesch; son-in-law, Doug Schulz; and siblings, Elsie Zenk, Irene Brunken, Lyle Heien and Elmer Heien.
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~The Sioux City Journal (online) dated 13 Dec 2015