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Kenneth Gansz (a.k.a. "The Ole Grizz") 75, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Services will be 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in St. Paul's Cemetery in Fort Dodge. Visitation will be from 4: 00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Fort Dodge.
Kenneth Elmer Gansz, the son of Elmer and Hilda (Weiss) Gansz, was born October 27, 1947, in Fort Dodge. Kenneth was a member of the 1965 graduating class of Fort Dodge Senior High. He also attended Iowa Central CC but earned his life-long degree from the school of hard knocks.
Kenneth married Clara Ewing on February 14, 1988. Together they raised their two children and Clara's three children. The couple later divorced.
Kenneth has been on the family farm all of his life and in 2009 the Gansz Farm became a Century Farm. He was involved in raising cattle and is very proud to see the farm staying in the family's hands. Kenneth never retired from farming. His favorite time of year was driving that red combine during harvest. Even in failing health he was so glad he could help in last year's harvest.
His family remembers his love of their family trips and his dogs. He enjoyed attending all of his kids' activities such as ball games and motorcross races. A few of his favorite phrases were "Come alive at 5", "I'm just trying to hold 'er all together" and "here's a quick update for ya".
He is survived by his two children, Levi (Kristin) Gansz and Kendra Gansz (Clint Wells); three stepchildren, Jeff Zabel, Matt Zabel (DeeDee McCrory), and Doug (Stephanie) Zabel; and several step grandchildren. Kenneth was very close to his many cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was very involved in 4H with kids.