Kenneth R. Stephens

Kenneth R. Stephens, age 91, of Grimes, Iowa formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa died Thursday, September 28, 2017 at his home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at 2:30pm in the Wall Lake Cemetery with full military rites. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Kenneth Ritner Stephens was born September 1, 1926 in Ipswich, South Dakota, the son of Byron and Ruth (Jenkins) Stephens. He attended school in Wall Lake, graduating from Wall Lake High School in 1944. Kenneth enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in August 1944. He proudly served his country as an aircraft mechanic in Italy. He was honorably discharged in February 1947. Kenneth was united in marriage to Myrtle Geake on July 6, 1950. Together, they were blessed with three children: Gwen, Bill, and Craig. Kenneth began his working life as a farmer. In the late 1950’s he moved to Storm Lake and transitioned to a role financing agriculture with Production Credit Association and then later joined Citizens 1st National Bank. He also was a Real Estate Broker, owning his own agency in Storm Lake. Kenneth was of the greatest generation, he was proud of his service to his country, and was also a community leader. He was a member of the city council and was mayor of Storm Lake. Kenneth also was Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge and Worthy Patron of Eastern Star. He instilled strong values into his family by demonstrating that hard work is required for financial success, but happiness is based on faith and compassion. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Myrt Stephens of Grimes, Iowa; children: Gwen (Marshall) Enderlin of Norwalk, Iowa; Bill (Tana) Stephens of Prosper, Texas; Craig (Debbie) Stephens of Minnetonka; Minnesota; grandchildren: Heather (Luke) Tingley of Urbandale, Iowa; Aaron (Anne) Enderlin of Polk City, Iowa; Blair Stephens of Prosper, Texas; Amanda Stephens of Ithaca, New York; Leslie Stephens of Minneapolis, Minnesota; great grandchildren: Noah and Evan Tingley; Kai and Bryn Enderlin; sister in-law Eloise Stephens of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; extended family and friends. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Norton, Richard, Miriam, and Jeanette.

Kenneth R. Stephens

September 1, 1926 - September 28, 2017