Kenneth Ray Ryherd

Kenneth Ray Ryherd, 76, passed away on July 21, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Ken was born on May 20, 1950, in Alta, Iowa, to William and Anna (Hellmann) Ryherd. He grew up in a large, close-knit family with his 11 brothers and sisters, creating memories and lifelong bonds that he treasured throughout his life. He graduated from Alta High School in 1969 before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army.

Ken was drafted into the Army on October 1, 1969, completing basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He proudly served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. Following his honorable discharge in 1971, he began working at John Deere. In 1975, Ken re-enlisted in the United States Army and continued his military career until April 1986. During his second period of service, he was stationed in Mannheim, Germany; Aschaffenburg, Germany; Fort Riley, Kansas; and Fort Knox, Kentucky. After retiring from the military, Ken worked as a tractor mechanic. He moved to Oregon in 1995 before returning to Mitchellville, Iowa, in 2012.

Ken found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved camping trips, especially those spent with family, and treasured opportunities to visit members of the Ryherd family. He was also an avid collector of die-cast tractors, a hobby that reflected his lifelong appreciation for farming equipment and mechanics.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Bruce Allen (Micki) Ryherd, Anna Marie Ryherd, Randy Steven (Chelsea) Ryherd, Crystal Gail (Cory) Burns, Gage Matthew (Shelby) Ryherd, and Kenzie Rae Ryherd; his grandchildren, Ivy Jo Ryherd, Ariadne Willow Marie Burns, and Gibson Dwain Burns; his siblings, Billie (Geraldine) Ryherd, Sara (Arlo) Lorenzen, and Charles (Patricia) Ryherd; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Ryherd; and his siblings, Marjorie, Robert Sr., John, Margaret, Floyd, Ronald, and Donald.

The family will greet guests from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Hamilton's Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, Altoona. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to a veterans charity of your choice in loving memory of Ken.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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