Kenneth V. Northness
October 18, 2014
Kenneth V. Northness, 69, died on October 18, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service and celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Private family committal services of the cremated remains will take place at a later date.
Kenneth was born on June 17, 1945 in New Hampton, Iowa to Elroy and Leonita Northness. He graduated from high school in New Hampton and earned his B.S. at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and his M.S.E. at Drake University in Des Moines. He married Rosemarie Mancuso in Toms River, New Jersey on July 13, 1968.
Kenneth spent his career in education, teaching mathematics for 45 years at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines. He enjoyed the outdoors and working on many projects to keep his home in perfect shape. He also enjoyed traveling and camping in many parts of the USA with his wife and family.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie; his children and their families, David (Cheryl) of Des Moines, Michael (Lauren) of Clive, Jeffrey (Jennifer) of Cedar Rapids, and Katherine (Reese Turner) of Altoona; grandchildren, Taylor, Megan, Cameron, Samuel, Graham, and Miles; his sisters, Donna Whalen of Eyota, Minnesota, Karol Smith of Lordes, Iowa, and Karen Snyder of Anamosa, Iowa. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, John.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Ambrose Cathedral. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuenralHome.com.
Emily Davis (DHS '94)
10/22/2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Northness' family and friends. I had him for math all 4 years at DHS. He was a great teacher that loved his students and I enjoyed returning to school to see him continue to teach. He made an impact on so many people including my own.
Erica shelton (dhs 99)
10/22/2014
my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mr. Northness was one of my favorite teachers. I enjoyed his sense of humor and ability to make pre-calc and calculus fun!
Joe Wanzek (DHS 95)
10/21/2014
Mr. Northness was a fabulous teacher and I'm very sorry for your loss.
Christopher Weuve (DHS '83)
10/21/2014
Mr. Northness was a fine teacher. I can't think of a student who did not like him. He will be missed.
Laura Beal
10/21/2014
So sorry to hear about Mr. Northness! My condolences to the family. He was my favorite math teacher at Dowling back in the early 80's. I admired his teaching style and his wisdom. He would say "Sounds about right" when I would answer in class. He made us laugh when he would chase bits of chalk down the blackboard It is no stretch to say he definitely made an impact on my life. My career is in teaching finance. May God rest his soul!
Seth Weidner
10/21/2014
One of my favorite things about coming to Des Moines in the summer was spending time at the Northness' house. Mr. Northness was always so nice to me and I will always remember him as a wonderful man. I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless.
Neal & Patti Banks
10/21/2014
Rose, So sorry to see that Ken has passed. We will miss his waves, smiles, and the conversations we had on the sidewalk as he always took the time to do. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during these hard time.
Peter Faber
10/21/2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Northness family. I will always remember Ken as such a great neighbor who was always such a good guy to me growing up on 46th street and at DHS. So sorry for your loss.
Frances Graziano
10/21/2014
Sympathies to the Northness family. Mr. Northness made an impression on me my Freshman year at Dowling that lasted a lifetime. I was honored to be in his class. He truly invested in his students. His dry sense of humor actually made math enjoyable! Though tough as nails in the classroom, he had a heart of gold. I'm certain he will soon hear in Heaven, "Well done, son".
Bette Garfield
10/21/2014
My sympathies to the whole family-I have fond memories of Ken and the rest of the family behind the fence on 46th. My thoughts are with you all.
Anne & Steve Johns and Family
10/20/2014
Dear Rose, We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Ken's death. Ken was a great neighbor who would always greet you with a wave and a smile. We are thinking of you and if there is anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to call. Please take care of yourself, and may you find peace and love in the memories you cherish. Please accept our deepest sympathies and our our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shawn Quinn Kalny
10/20/2014
My heart goes out to your family. May you find peace knowing that Ken was a wonderful man to all, not only as a wonderful teacher but also a kind man. I will always remember him from being a kid on Polk Blvd living behind you and as an amazing math teacher. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Shawn Quinn Kalny
Teri, Lori, Michael, Joseph and Matthew Formanek
10/20/2014
Dear Rose and Family,
May your hearts find strength in knowing your wonderful husband and father was such an endearing gift to this community of students with many years of excellence!
May Heaven welcome Ken with Mathematical Equations of Love and Peace! Dowling Catholic High School was graced with one of the best for so many years of commitment and talent!
Our prayers and thoughts are with each of you.
Sincerly,
The Formaneks
Teri, Lori
Michael.Joseph.Matthew
Art Boyer
10/20/2014
Rose,
Our hearts go out to you and your family. Pete and I will see you Thursday.