Kenneth Creswell

Kenneth Creswell passed away on July 30, 2025, at the age of 82. He was a respected and cherished member of his community and will be missed by many family and friends.

Born on March 16, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Kermit and Edna Creswell, Ken spent his early years in Abhor Hill alongside his parents and brother, James. Before the age of two, the family moved to a farm outside Dexter, where Ken would spend the rest of his life farming the family land and raising livestock. He was active in the Farm Bureau, held multiple offices at the Penn Center Methodist Church and was a Township Trustee.

Ken graduated from Earlham High School in 1961. He briefly attended Iowa State University before answering the call to serve his country by enlisting in the National Guard. His service was cut short when he returned home to care for his mother, Edna, until her passing in 1995. He has spent his life caring for his family, his animals and the land. He had a passion for International tractors, horses, Hereford cattle and fishing with friends.

He married Lila Heichel Kirkland on September 9, 1995, at the Macksburg United Methodist Church. He took on the extended family that came with this union as if they were always part of his family. Together, Ken and Lila shared nearly 30 years of companionship, laughter, and mutual devotion.

He is survived by his wife, Lila, her children, Rick (Renee) Kirkland, Karen (Ralph) Oswald, grandchildren, Jennifer (Leland) Arledge, Jason (Molly) Oswald, Anna Kirkland (Adam Rohr), Samantha (James) Pfefferkorn and great grandchildren, Ian Rohr, Adelaide and Vivian Pfefferkorn, his sister-in-law, nieces and nephew and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Kermit and Edna and his brother James.

Ken's memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 4, at the Penn Center United Methodist Church, Dexter. Burial will follow at the Penn Center Church Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Penn Center United Methodist Church and/or the Dexter Lions Club for the Blind.