Gordon "Ken" Wangsness

Gordon Kenneth Wangsness, 93, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2021, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo. He was born June 30, 1928, the son of John and Johanna (Strand) Wangsness. He was baptized and confirmed at the Calmar Lutheran Church. Ken graduated from Calmar High School. He was united in marriage to Ila Halvorson on March 29, 1953, in Calmar. They had four children Deb, Gary, Rod and Rick.

Ken worked for a livestock company, IPLA for 20 years. After retiring, he was a rural mail carrier for 18 years. Ken had a love for horses, in particular draft horses. He loved taking his surrey with the fringe on top in parades. Hayrides and bob sled were always a lot of fun with them being horse driven, even runaways. For years, Ken drove his horses with a hayrack at Christmas time. He delivered Santa to hand out sacks to all the kids and gave rides to the local children. Ken enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids in all their activities and was lucky enough to even watch a lot of his great grandkids activities.

Ken served his country in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He had the honor of going on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2013 with his son Rod. Ken was instrumental in fundraising and getting a swimming pool in Allison. The Pony Express ride each Easter was another important horse event for Ken. He and Ila also enjoyed chuck wagon races as some of their family participated.

Ken is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ila Wangsness; daughter Deb Steere; sons Gary Wangsness, Rod (Stacy) Wangsness and Rick (Kelli) Wangsness; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and sister Joanne Egge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Harlan Steere, grandson Brock Steere, sisters Virginia Snyder and Maxine Wangsness, and brothers Willis, Howard and John Wangsness.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 7, 2021, at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Burial took place in the Allison Cemetery. If you would like to send your condolences, click here.