Keith Gunzenhauser

Keith Gunzenhauser, 93, died October 20, 2026 in Urbandale, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, October 27, at the Van Meter United Methodist Church, with visitation at the church from 10-11am, and lunch following the service at the American Legion Reception Center in Van Meter.

Keith was born on October 19, 1933, in Humeston, Iowa, to Carl and Ella (Feight) Gunzenhauser. He grew up on farms in the Indianola area, graduated from Indianola High School, served two years in the U.S. Army, and graduated from Simpson College.

Keith joined Central Life Assurance Company (now Athene) in Des Moines, Iowa, as an investment analyst in 1956. He was employed there for his entire career, holding positions in the investment department including Chief Investment Officer, and was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at the time of his retirement in 1995. Keith also served on the IPERS Investment Advisory Board from 1972-1983.

Keith was married to Kathleen (Propst) Gunzenhauser on April 19, 1964, at First Christian Church in Des Moines, and they raised two children while living in Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Van Meter, before moving to a home in Urbandale in 2004. In Van Meter he was an active member of the Van Meter United Methodist Church serving on many local, district, and state committees. He was also active in civic organizations, including serving on the Van Meter School Board, and in American Legion Post 403, where he worked diligently to raise money for the building that also serves as a reception center for the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery. He was also active in the Dallas County Republican Party and served as county treasurer for several years. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, gardening (including completing the Iowa Master Gardener course), travel, woodworking, the Iowa State Fair, politics, Iowa sports, investing, and reading.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Faye Johns and Maxine Grunden. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen, and by his children Bruce, of Ames, and Bonnie, of Cleveland, Ohio. Keith was also blessed with two lifelong friends, Dale and Darrell Goodhue, who were like brothers to him.

Memorials may be directed to the Van Meter United Methodist Church or to Simpson College.