Obituary of Ken Brower

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE Kenneth Gene Brower, son of Meinert and Sadie (Feenstra) Brower, was born June 14, 1931 on a farm near Melvin, IA. He spent his youth on the farm by Melvin, and received his early education at the local country school. He also attended school in Hartley, IA and Sanborn, IA, graduating from Sanborn High School in 1951. After graduation, Ken helped his Dad on the farm and also worked for several other area farmers. While working on the Marvin Walvoord farm, he met his future wife, Joyce Elaine Tien, when she brought lunch out for the threshing crew. She looked his way with a cute, friendly smile...one he never forgot. Ken served his country in the United States Army from March of 1952 to December, 1953. He was stationed at Camp Roberts, CA, and Fort Huachuca, AZ, then overseas for one year in Korea. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and pursued the gal with the friendly smile. On February 17, 1954, the two were united in marriage at the Luctor Christian Reformed Church at Prairie View, KA. The couple made their new home at Sheldon, IA where Ken was employed at Molmen's Dairy delivering milk door-to-door. In January of 1955, Ken began hauling milk for the O'Brien County Creamery (AMPI) out of Sanborn. He and Joyce soon relocated to a farm outside of town. Later he drove truck for Kreykes Trucking, Dahlen Transport, Vander Veen Trucking and Hartog Elevator, all out of Sanborn. Ken really enjoyed his trucking days; meeting new people and seeing a lot of different country. He retired while employed at Hartog's. Ken was a member of the First Reformed Church in Sanborn. He was also a member of the American Legion for 57 years. Ken moved to Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn in January of 2012 where he resided until his death on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at the age of 85. Preceding him in death were his parents, Meinert and Sadie Brower; his wife, Joyce in 2013; an infant son, Rodney Allen Brower; and 5 brothers-in-law. Ken is survived by his children: Don (Rhonda) Brower, and granddaughter, Emma of Sanborn, IA, Donna (Larry) Anderson of Worthington, MN; 5 grandchildren: Miranda Brower of Pine City, MN, Carrie (Nathan) Bakker and their 8 children: Abbie (special friend, Brandon Vander Zee), Carson, Sydnie, Claire, Sophie, Tanyon, Hudson, and Remmie all of Wheatfield, IN, Angela (Ryan) Van Beek and their 8 children: Hannah, Levi, Bradley, Keyanna, Taylor, Dakota, Jackson, and Caroline all of Sanborn, IA, James Brower of Sanborn, IA, LeeAnn Brower of Duluth, MN; one brother, Roger (Beverly) Brower of Sioux City, IA; brothers-in-law: Arlo Gale (Carolyn) Tien of Prairie View, KS, Edward (Barb) Tien of Phillipsburg, KS; sisters-in-law: Henrietta Van Kooten of Long Island, KS, Marie Bousema of Worthington, MN, Dorothy (Jerry) Huyser of Urbandale, IA, Rosalie Verhoef of Artesaia, CA, Carmen Van Beek of Boyden, IA, Thelma Tien of Sheldon, IA; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Kenneth G. Brower Born ~ June 14, 1931 Died ~ June 23, 2016 Age ~ 85 years 9 days Memorial Service Tuesday, June 28, 2016 ~ 10:30 a.m. First Reformed Church Sanborn, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Mark Waterstone Mr. Gale Tien Organist ~ Gayle Vander Woude Musical Tributes Emma Brower - Violin Pixie Balt - Piano "Amazing Grace" Great-Grandchildren "Jesus Loves Me" Songs of Praise Processional ~ "Amazing Grace" Chris Tomlin Video "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" #139 Recessional ~ "It Is Well" #705 Pallbearers Don Brower James Brower Larry Anderson Ryan Van Beek Nathan Bakker Carson Bakker Honorary Pallbearers Ken's 16 Great-Grandchildren Ushers Merle Vander Woude ~ Galen Beyer Military Graveside Rites Sanborn American Legion Earl T. Conaway Post #318 Interment Roseland Cemetery