Kenneth A. Sawyer

Kenneth A. Sawyer, 92, passed away September 13, 2025 in Des Moines, IA. A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025 with a visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Ken was born November 14, 1932 at home near Dakota City, IA, the son of Arlene and Harold Sawyer. He had one sister, Helen Ann. Ken graduated from Humboldt High School and moved to Des Moines in 1951. He married Emily Ann Wallukait in 1952 and together they had five children, Linda, Susan, Thomas, Sandra and Michael.

In 1953, Ken was employed at Iowa Power and Light (Mid-American) as a journeyman lineman for 16 years. He then served as Business Manager/Financial Secretary for Local Union 499, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) representing employees of Iowa Power and Light. In 1971 he was appointed as an International Representative of the 11th District by the IBEW, where he negotiated labor contracts and taught stewardship classes.

Ken married his second wife, Ellen Ogden in 1990. They raised granddaughter, Jennifer Batteen after Ellen’s daughter, Angela passed away from a heart attack when Jennifer was 20 months old.

In 1998 Ken retired after 45 years. He maintained his union membership for his entire life and was a proud union member for 72 years.

Ken was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Sheperd and a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church in Adel, IA. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, woodworking and family and friends camping parties at their Puckerbrush Ranch in Dallas County, IA.

He is survived by his five children, Linda Lipkin (Steve) of Sea Ranch, CA, Susan Villalobos (Fred) of Des Moines, IA, Thomas Sawyer (Judy Blank) of Des Moines, IA, Sandra Sawyer of Des Moines, IA, and Michael Sawyer (Tanya) of Des Moines, IA; stepdaughter, Heidi Ogden and her brother, Rocky Ogden; 19 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen Ann Goodell; brother-in-law, Jim Goodell; wife, Ellen, granddaughter, Samantha Sawyer; stepdaughter, Angela Batteen; and stepson, Bill Batteen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 SW 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50315.