Ken Kiser, 83, of Pella and formerly of Oskaloosa, passed away Thursday evening, October 27, 2022, at The Cottages in Pella.
Kenneth Lee Kiser, son of Paul Ervin and Margaret Gerridena (DePenning) Kiser, was born January 19, 1939, in Peoria, Iowa. His parents moved to a farm south of Oskaloosa when Ken was a youngster, and he attended school at the Garfield Township Country School. After he graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1957, he began farming south of Oskaloosa with Gene Ferguson. In 1969, Ken purchased his farm north of Leighton. He operated the farm until 1987 when he sold the land and went to work at Vermeer Manufacturing, and he also helped other farmers when needed. He moved to Peoria in 1989 but continued with his job at Vermeers. After his retirement in 2006, Ken helped his neighbors with farming until 2016, when his health no longer permitted him to work. In addition to crop farming, Ken milked cows and raised hogs and sheep. He enjoyed his critters and the companionship of many dogs and cats throughout his lifetime.
Ken was a Central United Methodist Church member as a child but later transferred his membership to Ebenezer Reformed Church in Leighton and then to Lower Grove Church near New Sharon. He eventually transferred back to Central United Methodist, where he served as an usher for many years. Ken enjoyed coffee time with his former Vermeer co-workers and neighborhood friends.
His family includes his children and their spouses: Michael and Kim Kiser of Pella, Carol Kiser and Darryn Bryant of Beaver Creek, Ohio, and Katy and Jeff Vander Wert of Kirkville; four grandchildren: Kolton Kiser of Gardner, KS, Lucas Kiser of Pella, IA, Kaylyn Roose of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Carter Roose of Katy,Texas; his siblings: Ronald Kiser of Des Moines, Vivian Ver Steegh of Oskaloosa, Terry (Carol) Kiser of Cedar Rapids, and Dale (Jane) Kiser of Geneseo, IL.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services for Ken will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa, with Rev. Chad Lierman officiating. The burial will be in Peoria Cemetery. Visitation will begin after 11 a.m., Wednesday, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will greet visitors from 5-7 p.m. Instead of flowers, please make memorial contributions to The Cottages/Welsey Life in Pella or Central United Methodist Church.
