"Kenny and Ila were always so welcoming to my family (David and Martha (Weselmann) Huinker) when we would stop in on our way to and from Ames to Calmar. Kenny was a very kind man and I send you my heartfelt condolences on his loss."
In loving memory of
Ken Wangsness
June 30, 1928 - October 3, 2021
Gordon Kenneth Wangsness, 93, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2021, at UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital in Waterloo. He was born June 30, 1928, the son of John and Johanna (Strand) Wangsness. He was baptized and confirmed at the Calmar Lutheran Church. Ken graduated from Calmar High School. He was united in marriage to Ila Halvorson on March 29, 1953, in Calmar. They had four children Deb, Gary, Rod and Rick.
Ken worked for a livestock company, IPLA for 20 years. After retiring, he was a rural mail carrier for 18 years. Ken had a love for horses, in particular draft horses. He loved taking his surrey with the fringe on top in parades. Hayrides and bob sled were always a lot of fun with them being horse driven, even runaways. For years, Ken drove his horses with a hayrack at Christmas time. He delivered Santa to hand out sacks to all the kids and gave rides to the local children. Ken enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids in all their activities and was lucky enough to even watch a lot of his great grandkids activities.
Ken served his country in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He had the honor of going on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2013 with his son Rod. Ken was instrumental in fundraising and getting a swimming pool in Allison. The Pony Express ride each Easter was another important horse event for Ken. He and Ila also enjoyed chuck wagon races as some of their family participated.
Ken is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ila Wangsness; daughter Deb Steere; sons Gary Wangsness, Rod (Stacy) Wangsness and Rick (Kelli) Wangsness; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and sister Joanne Egge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Harlan Steere, grandson Brock Steere, sisters Virginia Snyder and Maxine Wangsness, and brothers Willis, Howard and John Wangsness.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 7, 2021, at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Burial will take place in the Allison Cemetery.
Tributes
"Dear Ila, Deb, Gary, Rod and Stacey, and Rick and Kelle, You all are so dear to me! I am offering my deepest sympathy and LOVE to all of you! When your Mom and Dad moved to Allison, I was overwhelmed with their kindness and their gentle nature!! They were very good to me, as I babysat for you kids!! I am so happy the Wangsness gang moved to Allison!! I have loved your family from the moment I met you!!!! My health has prevented me from being with you today. I feel such regret about that., but have kept each of you in my heart! My thoughts and prayers are totally with each of you! My heartfelt love, Sally"
"Wangsness family, Our sincere condolences. We enjoyed visiting with Ken at gatherings at Nick and Alice's home. Ken always had a smile. He will be missed by many. "
"Our sincere condolences to the Ila and family. Wilfred (Fred) and Maxine Maiers"
"So sorry for your loss Wangsness family, What a great man. he will be missed by many."
"I enjoyed visiting with Kenny and Ila on a visiting trip for church; they learned about my dairy experience and Darwin's sister's experience babysitting. So sorry for the families loss; it seems he left a good legacy "
"What an awesome man. He will truly be missed. Mary Tjebkes Leverich"
"Our deepest sympathies to the family. We so enjoyed visiting with Kenny and Butch really enjoyed coffee with the boys. I have wonderful memories of Kenny from when l was a little girl and my dad and l would sing at the Loins Club Show. "
"Kenny was a gem... always had a smile on his face! I will miss seeing him at family get togethers. Bob and I send our sympathies and love to his family."