Kenneth P. Ahrenholtz

Kenneth Paul Ahrenholtz, the youngest of five children born to Edwin and Ethel (Smith) Ahrenholtz, was born February 10, 1947, in Manilla, Iowa. He grew up on the farm and attended country school near his home before graduating from Manilla High School in 1965.

In 1967 Ken was inducted into the U.S. Army and spent one year stationed in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge in 1969, he returned to the family farm, east of Manilla.

On August 21, 1971, Ken was united in marriage with Beverly McEvoy at the United Methodist Church in Defiance. Three daughters were born to this union. The couple farmed for many years. Ken also operated his own construction business and worked at the Gruhn lumber business in Manilla. He also helped Bev with her ceramic business. Ken worked at the U.S. Post Office from 1984 until retiring in 2007.

Ken was member of Central Church in Carroll, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. He was good with his hands and enjoyed doing woodworking, carpentry work and fixing up older houses in his spare time. He also enjoyed gardening, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and the Lions Club, and following his grandkids' activities. He and Bev traveled to more than 40 states and went on several cruises. He cherished going on an Honor Flight in 2018. Ken and Bev celebrated their Golden 50th wedding anniversary in August of 2021 with family at friends.

Ken died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, December 10, 2021, at his home near Manilla, Iowa. He was 74 years and 10 months of age.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Hazel Ahrenholtz and Marcille (Wilton) Swires; three brothers-in-law: Myron Kempton, Glen Higgins and Estel Grimm; and extended family member Sandy McDonald.

Ken is survived by his wife Bev Ahrenholtz of Manilla; daughters: Paulette and husband Leonard Lingle of Aspinwall; Tammie and husband Douglas Baughman of Kirkman; Becky and husband John Gordon of Manning; 6 Grandchildren; Ashlynn, Jacqueline and Abagale Lingle; Logan and Austin Gordon; and Katie Boughman; his siblings: Vera Kempton of California; Elaine Grimm of Manning; and Lyle Ahrenholtz and wife Ellen of Omaha; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 10:30 am at Central Church of Carroll, Carroll, Iowa

Pastor Gary Magill, Officiating

Recorded Music Selections "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood, "Dancing In The Sky" by Mindi Fisher, "Jealous Of The Angels" by Donna Taggart and "Battle Hymn Of The Republic"

Casket Bearers are Leonard Lingle, John Gordon, Micah Peatrowsky, Justin McEvoy, Josh Dawson and Dan Dawson

Honorary Casket Bearers are Ken's Grandchildren

Military Honors by United States Army Honor Guard, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517 and American Legion Post 22

Interment At A Later Date at Nishnabotna Cemetery, Manilla, Iowa