Kenneth Walter Stifel, 89, passed away September 10th, 2026. Ken was born February 22, 1937, to William and Alberta (Youtz) Stifel, the third of four boys. He grew up on the family farm in Cumming and graduated Johnston High School in 1955. Ken served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1955 to 1994, a Chief Warrant Officer, Senior Technical Expert. Ken’s retirement was short and he returned to work driving a truck and was later employed by Shoppers Supply and Bomgaars in Des Moines.
Ken is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gaye (Griffin) Stifel, their daughter, Kendra (Will) Sales, his children, Dave Stifel, Tom Stifel, Barb (Dave) Silvers, Jeff Stifel, and Jon (Karen) Stifel; grandchildren, Anthony (Doug) Hamblin, William and Amelyne Sales, Jack Stifel, Abie, Nick and Tori Stifel, Jessie Cox and Katie (Tanner) Bell, Brandie and Rebecca Stifel, Nate Stifel; thirteen great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Gayla Wobken and her children and grandchildren, who always made time for Uncle Ken and Aunt Gaye.
Ken was fascinated by machinery and enjoyed building model trains and collecting die cast tractors. He enjoyed sports of all kinds. Ken was eminently easy going and friendly, always welcoming with a warm handshake.
Ken remained active for the majority of his life, having lost some mobility and having experienced health challenges over the last several years. Ken suffered the effects of dementia and in the last few months his family watched him depart little by little. He was made comfortable in his final days and passed peacefully in his sleep and was called home with Gaye by his side.
Ken’s life will be celebrated Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at McClaren’s Funeral Home and Chapel. Visitation is at noon and the funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m. Internment will take place after the funeral at Resthaven Cemetery.
Gifts in memory of Ken can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa.
