Obituaries : Kenneth W. Popenhagen

Kenneth W. Popenhagen, age 86, died of pneumonia on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines.

A private memorial service will be held, followed by a Celebration of Life form 2:00 until 4:00 PM, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the St. Stephens Lutheran Church fellowship hall for those who wish to greet the family.  Interment will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Atkins, IA.

Kenneth was born August 9, 1939, the son of Roy and Rose (Kray) Popenhagen.  He was united in marriage to Carol Moore on January 11, 1969.

Ken graduated from Atkins Public School in 1957 and then attended Upper Iowa University.  He was hired as a Benton County Deputy Sheriff in 1967.  He was then elected Sheriff in 1972, and served until his retirement in 2004.  He was president of the Atkins Community Club, and the St. Stephens Church Council.  He was also active in the American Red Cross.  He was a lifelong member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Atkins.

Ken is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol, and their children Richard and Ellen of Atkins, and Robert and Ashlea of Ankeny. Two step-granddaughters, Madison, and Makayla.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law Margie Popenhagen of Cedar Rapids, and her family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy, and Rose, and his brother Norman Popenhagen.

Ken had been a resident of Arbor Springs for six years.  The family will be forever grateful to the staff for their care and patience.

He will always be known as “Popie” by his friends and family.  He will be greatly missed.

Online Condolences:  www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com