Kenneth Ray Herman

Kenneth Ray Herman, 78, of White Oak passed away Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, IA.
Ken was born April 2, 1940, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital to Archie and Mabel Herman of rural Elkhart.

He married his high school sweetheart Bernice McCauley on Oct. 3, 1958, at Marquisville United Methodist Church in Des Moines. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Ken worked for many years at the Iowa Department of Transportation in Ames, retiring in 1998. He is survived by his wife, Bernice; daughter, Laura (Kevan Sr.) Zechin of Keokuk; son, Brian (Angela) Herman of White Oak; nine grandchildren, Kevan (Tamara) Zechin Jr., Larisa Zechin, Lauren Zechin, Ken Zechin, Kyle Zechin, Laurel Zechin, Jonathan Herman, Lauretta Zechin and Kirby Zechin; and a great-grandchild, Kevan Zechin III.

He also is survived by a niece, Diane Schulze; great-niece, RaeJeanna (Ben) Nyland; great-great- nephew, Kyle Nyland; and many friends and family members.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marlene and Wanita.

All who knew him admired his strong faith, quiet strength, work ethic, generous and welcoming spirit, and ornery sense of humor.

Providing for his family’s needs was a priority to Ken. He was a devoted husband and best friend to Bernice and a caring dad to his children and their spouses. His kids knew they could depend on him – whatever was needed. He always had time for his grandkids, including them in his daily routine – tending the garden, caring for birds and feeding farm cats.

Ken was a clever handyman who could fix anything with whatever materials he had around the place.
He enjoyed playing old-time music with friends and family, attending music festivals and performing at living history events, care centers and other venues. He always had his camera with him. Ken and Bernice loved traveling to Mountain View, Ark., and the Tennessee Fall Homecoming in Norris, Tenn.; and taking day trips to county parks.

Memorial contributions can be made to Ankeny Free Church.

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