Kenneth Carl Niehouse passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at the Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown, Iowa, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Ken was born on April 26, 1932 to Carl W. and Clara Schultz Niehouse in Marshalltown, Iowa. Ken graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1951. He then attended Valparaiso University in Indiana and later joined the United States Air Force and became a pilot. While in the Air Force, he piloted the plane that took the pictures for the Life Magazine photo spread of the U.S. Air Force fleet of airplanes. While stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, he met his future wife, Anita Bass. Ken and Anita were married in Opelika, Alabama, on November 10, 1957.
They made their home in Marshalltown, where he owned and operated numerous dry cleaning businesses including Niehouse Cleaners, the dry cleaning and tailor shop started by his father. They eventually expanded that business to Niehouse Cleaners and Custom Draperies, which they ran for over 30 years. Ken was very active in the Iowa/Nebraska State Dry Cleaners Association, serving as President. Ken was actively involved in the Marshalltown Lions Club for over 45 years, serving in many capacities including President, and was on the Marshalltown Board of Adjustment for many years. Ken enjoyed his time participating in Toastmasters. He was a member of First Congressional Church and the American Legion Post #46 in Marshalltown.
In childhood, Ken loved his time visiting his numerous cousins who lived on farms in the area and there he developed a love for fishing. He took his family on many trips to visit relatives throughout the United States, most often to Anita’s hometown, Opelika, Alabama, and to Panama City Beach, Florida. He built his own kayak and sailboat which he enjoyed with his family, which were the center of his life. Ken always said his proudest possessions were his children. He was a kind and loving man who will be deeply missed.
Ken is survived by his wife, Anita; his son Kirk Niehouse and wife Lisa and their children Jake Thompson, Kenton Niehouse and Jamison Niehouse; his daughter Shari Konarske and husband Steve and their children Rick (Jessica) Konarske, Jennifer (Chad) Brunsman and Drew (Jenny) Konarske; his great-grandchildren Ryley and Dylan Brunsman, Samantha, Shelby and Kendrick Konarske, and Thea Konarske; his brother-in-law Jerry Gregson; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Josina Gregson and Claramae Hesse.
The family wishes to offer special thanks to the staff at Grandview Heights for their warm, caring and professional care of Ken during his waning years.
Ken’s funeral service and visitation with the family is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2020, at First Congregational Church, 312 W. Main St., Marshalltown, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funeral service will start at 1 p.m. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Marshalltown, Iowa, following the funeral service. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Ken and his family. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.