Kenneth Dorenkamp, 85, of Grimes, formerly of Alexander, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Unity Point Health-Methodist Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at First Reformed Church, 214 Harriman St., Alexander, IA 50420. Burial will be in the Alexander Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 26 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home 111 Luick's Lane South in Belmond and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Ken Dorenkamp was born November 22, 1940, in Belmond, Iowa, to Ben and Doris (Larsen) Dorenkamp. He was one of two children born to Ben and Doris, alongside his older brother, Daryl. He graduated from Alexander High School in 1957 and attended Iowa State University until he was called home to farm due to his father's illness. On June 30, 1961, he married Sandra Blau at the Alexander Reformed Church. To this union, three children were born: Steve, Dan, and Kendra.

Ken farmed for several years in rural Alexander on the farm he was raised on. One of his greatest joys was harvesting crops, and as the evening approached, pretending to be too tired to work late, allowing his two sons to run equipment all night. This instilled a source of joy and pride he found in his children.

The next stage of life found him selling livestock and agriculture equipment at Kiefer Built and John Deere. Most of this time was spent in Kanawha, Iowa, working with a loyal customer base where many turned into lifelong friendships and created lasting memories. In conjunction with selling combines and tractors, it was a natural fit to sell John Deere mowers. Customers would ask him what model of mower he used; the answer would always be his old Snapper. He had a lot of respect for his coworkers and was thankful for his many customers. He was crowned king for selling all of the dealership's used combines. He retired the day before his 75th birthday, a testament to the passion he had for his career.

Ken served in the National Guard, on the church consistory, as a church youth sponsor and school bus driver, and was on the CAL School Board. He enjoyed traveling the countryside with Sandy in their RV, tailgating at Iowa State football games and had a passion for country music, especially Johnny Cash, that he passed on to his kids. He had a great sense of humor and a special place in his heart for a black stray dog, Tinsley, who appeared one day at the farm.

Ken and Sandy found their way to Grimes, Iowa, for retirement, but Ken was quick to remind everyone that "life was better on the farm." In Grimes, they were closer to their kids and enjoyed spending time with their six grandchildren. They stayed active keeping up with a calendar full of events. From football games, baseball games, track meets, and cross-country races to soccer matches, music concerts, dance recitals, and other milestones, they rarely missed an opportunity to support and celebrate their grandchildren. One of Ken's favorite events was the Drake Relays, where multiple grandchildren were crowned champions and found their way into the record books. He especially loved the holidays when his family could all be together.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Daryl Dorenkamp. Ken is survived by his wife Sandra and children Steve (Jan) Dorenkamp, Dan Dorenkamp and Kendra (Andy) Borcherding. Grandchildren: Addison Dorenkamp, Blake Dorenkamp, Dillon Dorenkamp, Charlie Dorenkamp, Olivia Borcherding, and Reese Borcherding.