Ken Graves

Kenneth Louis Graves was born on March 22, 1933, on his grandparents’ farm about three miles south of Manning, the son of George E. and Bernice (Hinz) Graves. He was baptized and later confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Manning. Ken was an only child until the age of twelve, when his sister was born. He attended Manning High School and later earned a two-year degree in dairy plant operation from Iowa State University. As part of that program, he spent six months living in Detroit, Michigan, and after graduating, he lived in Chicago.

Ken eventually returned to Manning, where he worked at the Manning Creamery. On April 8, 1956, he was united in marriage to Beverly Brus at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. Their marriage was blessed with three sons—twin sons, Denis and Dean, and their younger son, David. In 1964, Ken’s mother was killed in a tragic car accident, a loss that deeply affected him, as they had shared a very close bond. Over the years, Ken worked at several different places, and the family relocated a number of times before eventually settling in Perry. His final employment was with Oscar Meyer, where he worked while the couple made their home in Perry for 40 years.

Ken enjoyed spending time outdoors. In his younger years, he liked hunting, but fishing was a lifelong passion. Naturally introverted, he was content spending time on his own. He especially loved trail riding and often took his horse to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Ken also enjoyed showing horses. An animal lover at heart, he always had a loyal dog companion close by his side.

Kenneth passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Greene County Hospital in Jefferson, Iowa, at the age of 92 years, 11 months and 15 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Carl and Marie (Jahn) Brus; and grandson, Jacob Graves; brothers-in-law: Edward Rolhfs and Alan Lorenzen.

He is survived by his wife of just shy of 70 years, Beverly Graves of Jefferson; children: Denis (Marcia) Graves of rural Jefferson, Dean Graves of Stratford and David (Rochelle) Graves of Rincon, Georgia; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Joan Rolhfs of Virginia; sister-in-law, Bonnie Lorenzen of Manilla; and other family and friends.

His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. Interment will follow in the Manning Cemetery. The family will direct memorials. Please refrain from sending flowers as there are several allergies within the family.

His funeral service will be live streamed to Zion Lutheran Church Manning Facebook page.