Ken Determann, age 66 of Wall Lake, IA, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy in Omaha, NE, surrounded by his family. Kenneth Gene Determann was born on September 1, 1957, to parents Melvin and Darlene (Haack) Determann in Carroll, IA, the second born of three children. He lived in Sac County all of his life, growing up in the Nemaha, Early, and Wall Lake areas. He graduated from Crestland High School in 1975.

   Growing up, Ken was such a great older brother to his little sister, Beverly. He always made sure to look out for her. He and his brother Mark enjoyed working on cars together as well as riding go carts. The three of them always had fun together on the farm. When Ken was just ten years old, his father Melvin was killed in a tragic farming accident. Not long after that his grandfather Herman Haack, whom he was very close to, passed away. Ken certainly inherited his grandpa Herman’s sense of humor.
   After graduating high school, Ken went to work at Noble Manufacturing in Sac City, IA. He was blessed with two sons, Michael and Joshua. On April 15, 1989, Ken married the love of his life, Sue Keep, at the United Methodist Church in Early, IA. This union was blessed with a daughter, Nicole, and a son, Nicholas, making them a family of six. Ken and Sue lived in Early at the time they were married and then moved to Nemaha, IA, before moving to Wall Lake. Ken worked at Early Pig for many years and then at Cook Siding before becoming one of the first hires at Evapco back in 2000. Ken retired from Evapco in August of 2022.
   Spending time with his family meant a lot to Ken. He did a lot of fishing with not only his wife and children but also his brother, nieces, and stepdad. Many family gatherings were held over the years whether it be for someone’s birthday, a holiday, or just because, and Ken always enjoyed attending them. Growing up Nicole remembers riding around with her dad on the moped or in his truck and listening to music. This was something the two of them enjoyed and always felt connected on. He and Nick spent many hours in the garage working on cars together. These being just a few of the very special memories they will hold in their hearts forever.
   Ken liked guns all of his life, mostly for target shooting and collecting although he did some hunting back in the day. He and his brother Mark went to shooting ranges all over whenever they had the chance. The two of them really enjoyed going to gun shows.
   After the kids were grown and out of the house, Ken and Sue bought a camper and made several trips with it. Their favorite place to camp was at Yellowsmoke in Denison, IA, and they went there often. The two of them liked hopping in the truck and taking road trips on a regular basis. They didn’t travel very far away but didn’t have to, to simply enjoy their surroundings in places like the Loess Hills. They had a side by side that Ken loved riding around in. He especially liked giving his grandson Adam rides in it.
   Ken was a very dedicated, hardworking man. He was usually one of the first ones to the plant every morning and regardless of any extra hours put in he never complained and continued to work just as hard as always. He was laid back and would do anything for anyone at any time. He was just a very genuine human being who loved his family and friends a lot. He is so missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
   He is survived by his wife, Sue Determann of Wall Lake, IA; children Mike Determann of Des Moines, IA, Josh Determann of Des Moines, IA, Nicole Determann of Wall Lake, IA, and Nick Determann of Wall Lake, IA; grandchildren Shantell Williams and Adam Zell; mother Darlene Garrels of Wall Lake, IA; sister-in-law Joyce Determann of Byron, MN; brother-in-law Michael (Brenda) Keep of Waco, TX; parents-in-law Don and Sharon Keep of  TX; nieces Tara (Kyle) Peterson of Altoona, IA and Shawna (Matt) Tobin of Worthington, IA; nephews Ben Prudenz of CA, and Justin Wolf of Forest City, IA; great-nieces and nephews: Jayden Hunter, Ava, Kyle, Kay-Lynn, and Chase Peterson, Reese, Garrhett, and Josie Tobin; many other extended family members and friends.
   Ken was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Determann; brother Mark Determann; sister Beverly Determann; stepfather Lennis Garrels; maternal grandparents Herman and Hazel Haack; paternal grandparents Vincent and Lucille Determann.