Kenneth Ray Hebensperger, first born son of Joseph Anthony & Kemmie Ruth Evat Hebensperger was born May 14, 1938 in Hobart, Oklahoma. He was later joined by a sister and three brothers.
Kenneth grew up on a farm in Kiowa county surrounded by cousins which made for adventurous days. He loved to relive the antics of his childhood causing much laughter and disbelief to those around him. He graduated from Roosevelt High school and married his high school sweetheart, Almeda Riggs. Two children, Kenny Joe and Penny Renee, were born from this union.
In 1967 Kenny married Karen Huffman. Kenny and Karen later adopted a daughter Kemmie Raylene.
In 1983 Kenny married Sherry Grindstaff Smith making their home on Kenny’s acreage in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
As a young man Kenny daringly, climbed poles in a job he loved until poor health forced him to work in the office.
Kenny was passionate about refurbishing Allis Chalmers tractors. He even obtained an Allis Chalmers bulldozer, one of few made. Kenny could transform scrap wood into art and salvage junk finds into treasures.
Kenny was a people person meeting for afternoon coffee. He never met a stranger and made many lifetime friends.
In retirement Kenny and Sherry traversed the country coast to coast. He also looked forward to his young grandson’s visits with their adventures in his workshop, other shared antics and a passion for sports both had as his grandson grew older. Kenny was a die-hard Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys fan.
Family gatherings were very special to Kenny. He especially enjoyed traveling to Oklahoma to share time with his brothers on the family farm.
Kenny passed away on November 4, 2017 at Banner Baywood Hospital in Mesa, Arizona; the last of his many battles with severe health issues.
Kenny is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry, of 34 years; son, Ken (Lynn) Sturges; daughters, Penny (Mohammad) Kariznowi, and Kemmie (Joanne) Hebensperger; step-sons, Brent Smith, and Todd (Suzanne) Smith; two grandsons R.J. and Shane; brothers Richard (Terry) Hebensperger; John (Ailene) Hebensperger; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley and brother Jim.
Funeral services are to be held at 10:00 am Thursday November 9, 2017 with internment at the Mountain View cemetery in Mesa, Arizona.
Kenneth Ray… you will be sorely missed, but shall always be remembered with fond memories and gratitude for being a super step-father. Thanks for being there.
Your loving step-son…
-Todd
Sorry for your loss Sherry. Kenny was the last of the Iowa Telephone, Contel gang. They had a good time enjoying one another.
Sherry, So sorry to hear the news of Kenny’s passing. He was a great person.
Sherry, I’m so sorry to hear about Kenny. My heart and prayers go out to you and family at this time.
Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband held a special place in my heart!
Sherry and family, Kenny was an inspiration to me as he battled through health issue after health issue. Truly sorry for your loss, he will be missed.
So sorry for your loss, he was well loved & will be missed
Sherry,
I’m so sorry to hear about Kenny’s passing he was such a wonderful man. I have many wonderful childhood memories with him in it. Thinking of you all.
Much love