Kenny Crouse, 83, of Oskaloosa, passed away Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
Kenneth Raymond Crouse, son of Raymond and Faye M. (Popma) Crouse, was born September 14, 1941, in What Cheer, Iowa. The family moved to Oskaloosa when Kenny was 11. After completing his education, Kenny worked for the Strand Baking Company in Marshalltown for four years; he had a delivery route that included trips to Albia, Pella, New Sharon, and Oskaloosa. The Oskaloosa Water Department next employed Kenny as a meter reader. Kenny married Jeri Ashman on June 28, 1974, and to that union, their daughter, Shawna, was born. They later divorced.
In 1976, Kenny and Jeri established Crouse’s House of Flowers, which has served Oskaloosa and the surrounding communities with beautiful arrangements to this day. In 1997, he welcomed his daughter, Shawna, to the floral team. Kenny loved having his daughter as a partner and attributes much of the floral shop’s success and longevity to her. In addition to operating the floral shop, Kenny assisted funeral homes in central Iowa with transportation needs. He traveled as far as Mexico, helping funeral professionals and families bring their loved ones home. He took this job very seriously and enjoyed the friendships he developed with the funeral directors he served.
Kenny had many keen interests throughout his life; in each, he developed friends who shared his passions. Steve and Michelle Johnson, along with Gary and Mary Dixon, attended many antique flea markets with Kenny, and they loved discussing and sharing their “treasures” with each other. From a young age, Kenny owned and enjoyed many Triumph motorcycles. Kenny also loved Boston Terriers and had several through the years.
Kenny attended the Rose Hill Community Church and is very grateful for the many blessings the good Lord has given him.
His family includes his daughter, Shawna (Matt) Besco of Oskaloosa; a grandson, Shea Besco of Oskaloosa; a sister, Carolyn (Linn) Flook of Coon Rapids, IA; and several nieces and nephews.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services for Kenny will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Fellowship Bible Church with Rev. Mike Sinnett and Rev. Rodney DeRonde officiating. Burial will be in Old White Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m. Memorials can be made to Rose Hill Community Church or to the Mahaska Health Foundation for the Hospice Serenity House.
