John E. Kenzy

John Edward Kenzy, age 84, of Yuma, Arizona, formerly of Early and Storm Lake, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2005, in Kennewick, Washington.

John was born on March 29, 1921, in Iona, South Dakota, the son of George J. and Theresa (Salzmann) Kenzy. He attended Iona Grade School and graduated from Gregory High School in 1939. He continued his education earning a B.A. in Agriculture from South Dakota State University at Brookings, South Dakota. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on September 10, 1942, serving in New Guinea, Japan, and the Southern Philippians, as an Infantry Technician 4th Grade, receiving a Purple Heart. He was discharged January 9, 1946.

Prior to his marriage, he taught GI’s in Webster City. On June 11, 1950, John was united in marriage to Jeanette M. Hiersche in Early. This union was blessed with five children: Martha, Earle, Mourene, Joan, and Roger. In 1954, John and Jeanette moved to the Hiersche family farm near Early where he farmed. During the 1970’s, the family owned and operated the K Market Grocery Store in Early. John retired from farming in 1986, but remained active in the family farm business. He and Jeanette moved to Storm Lake in the 1990’s, wintering in Texas until Jeanette passed away on September 10, 2001.

John married Leona Hood, in Yuma, Arizona on October 23, 2004.

John was a member of the United Methodist Church in Early.

Survivors include his wife Leona Kenzy of Yuma, AZ; his children: Martha Hansel and husband Dennis of Omaha, NE, Earle Kenzy of Morrison, CO, Mourene Kenzy of Storm Lake, IA, Joan LeMaster and husband Art of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Roger Kenzy of Early; his grandson Bryan LeMaster of Highlands Ranch, CO; brother Paul Kenzy and sister Betty Devish both of Chamberlain, SD; stepson Howard Ellison and wife Bev; three stepdaughters: Priscilla Smith and husband Scott, Eloise Woods and husband Herb, and Lorraine Holmes and husband LeRoy; several step grandchildren; step great-grandchildren; extended family members and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Jeanette, and brothers: Sam, Leo, and Carl Kenzy.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 12th, 10:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Early with Reverend Carl Benge officiating. Burial will be at the Early Union Cemetery with military graveside rites by Merton V. Hair American Legion Post No. 325 of Early and Nemaha. Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 pm on Sunday with family present from 6:00-8:00 at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.