SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. –– Kenneth E. Wilson, 80 of Scottsdale, Ariz., and formerly of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 24 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Le Mars. Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will begin at noon on Wednesday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.
Kenneth Elvin Wilson was born on August 25, 1945 to Harold and Nettie (Palmer) Wilson in Aberdeen. His father was a structural engineer and their family traveled extensively across the world for bridge and dam construction projects.
Kenneth graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1963 and continued his education at the School of Mines in Rapid City, where he played football. Following a knee injury, he transferred to and completed his degree at Northern State College in Aberdeen.
While at Northern State, Ken met Carole Ann Lewis. They were united in marriage on December 17, 1966, in Mitchell. They both graduated college in 1967; they first lived in Howard, then Mitchell and later in Huron. The couple gave birth to four children: Laura, Meredith, Christopher, and Samantha.
Ken’s first jobs were teaching and coaching; he taught social studies, economics, and math, while also coaching basketball and football. Ken then began a long career in the insurance industry, joining State Farm in 1975 and working his way up to agency management by 1978. In 1988, their family moved to Le Mars where he maintained an agency for 20 years. Ken enjoyed working with his clients, ensuring they were properly covered and protected. He also served as a financial advisor, skills he developed throughout his tenure at State Farm.
Outside of work, Ken enjoyed golfing and bowling. Ken and Carole enjoyed gardening and working together on home projects. Ken was active in the churches he belonged to, serving as a Deacon and participating in church mission trips as well as other volunteer opportunities.
Ken was community-minded and service-oriented, setting an example of generosity and compassion for his family and friends. He was an active member of Sertoma, Elks Club, Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered on other community projects such as: student-led recycling and helping to build a new playground at the school. He also enjoyed serving on the Variance Board in Le Mars for many years.
Ken is survived by three daughters: Dr. Laura Kathleen Wilson of Austin, Texas, Meredith Leigh (Kevin Watts) Wilson of Gilbert, Ariz., and her children: Cameron James and Maverick Jordan, Samantha Lynn Wilson of Chandler, Ariz.; one son, Christopher Jon (Heidi) Wilson of Ankeny, Iowa, and their children: Julia Merie, Jon Kenneth and Natalie Henderson; and other extended relatives.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carole; brother, Arlin Wilson; and sister, Donna.
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