Ken Kifer

Kenneth “Ken” Kifer, age 90, of State Center, Iowa, passed away on the afternoon of November 16, 2024, surrounded by his family at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown, Iowa.

A celebration of life for Ken will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ken’s name may be directed to Iowa River Hospice. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Kenneth Ivan Kifer was born May 2, 1934, in Epworth, Iowa. He was the middle of three children born to Merlin and Hazel (Hinde) Kifer. Ken grew up on the family farm near Zwingle, Iowa, and attended school in Maquoketa, Iowa, graduating as part of the class of 1951. Ken enlisted in the United States Armed Forces in 1956 and was a member of the United States Army, stationed in Korea. In 1958, he was honorably discharged from service.

On January 21, 1961, he was united in marriage to Patricia “Pat” Youker in Marshalltown, Iowa. They made their home together, first in Marshalltown and then in State Center. Ken and Pat were the parents of five children: Keith, Kim, Todd, Tracy, and Kristen. Ken worked as a bulldozer operator for Trowbridge Construction before working for Con-Struct in Marshalltown, where he retired in 1999 at the age of 65.

In his free time, Ken enjoyed going to Hickory Grove for camping and fishing trips, going hunting, watching NASCAR, birdwatching, and playing cribbage and scat. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren most of all. He was avid on spending time outdoors, always made sure that his yard was in top shape and tended to his flower and vegetable gardens often.

Those left to remember and cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Pat Kifer; his children, Kim Miller, Todd (Lacey) Kifer, and Tracy (Bill Jr.) Lyke. Also surviving him are his grandchildren, Sam Miller, Jake Miller, Maddie (Quinton Ball) Miller, Caitlin (Brandon) Wicker, Jenna (Miles Wichhart) Kifer, and Maxwell Lyke; great-granddaughter, Paisley Wicker; his sister, Carole (Pat) Neyens; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other members of the “class” and the “East Side Bar.”

He is preceded in death by his children, Keith Kifer and Kristen Kifer; his parents, Merlin and Hazel Kifer; his sister Shirley and brother-in-law, John White; mother and father-in-law, Clell and Edna Youker; and other beloved family members.