Douglas Grant Kenworthy
November 05, 2011
Grant Kenworthy, 35, passed away on Saturday, November 5, surrounded by family and friends. Grant grew up in West Des Moines and graduated from Valley HS in 1994. He went on to Illinois State and the University of Iowa where he played on the golf teams. After graduation he married Maura Koenig and they moved to Florida for Maura’s graduate school. They then returned to Iowa City where Grant earned his MBA. He was employed by Allsteel and HON Industries in Muscatine.
Grant was an excellent athlete and loved almost every sport, especially if the Hawkeyes were playing. He also loved woodworking and traveling the world from the mountains of Switzerland to the Great Barrier Reef. Grant was a truly amazing father who cherished spending time with his son and daughter. He loved playing football with his son and molding him into a fervent Hawkeye fan. He often took morning walks with his son, reminding him to appreciate the day and look around and notice the scenery. The birth of his daughter in April brought great joy to his life.
He leaves his loving wife and 2 children: Graham (5) and Bryn (6 mo.); his parents, Barb and Bill Kenworthy; his grandmother, Jo Dunkerson; his sister, Valerie Kenworthy Ingamells and her husband, Ben. He is also survived by his parents–in-law, Beth and Bill Koenig; sister-in-law, Kit Ziebell and her husband, Brian; brother-in-law, Paul Koenig and his wife, Lisa, and their 3 daughters, Sophie, Tess and Maisie; and many aunts, uncles, and devoted friends, and grandmother-in-law, Margaret Buchanan. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kelly Kenworthy.
The family would like to thank his oncologist, Dr. Mohammed Milhem, and the team at the University of Iowa, who valiantly fought the battle with Grant.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, with burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Holden Comprehensive Care Center, University of Iowa Foundation, One West Park Road, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244-4550 or Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, 50312.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Velma and George Peters
11/09/2011
Dear Jo - Our hearts ache for you. We just lost a 24-year old grandson in October. We have no words of wisdom to ease your pain, but please know that we feel your sorrow and pray for your healing. (Neighbors on Garrison Road)
Paul Deyo
11/09/2011
I am certain no expression of condolence can soothe your loss, but I am equally certain that death can only accent the memories of the qualities of a man who was loving, kind, generous, and strong. It is evident that Grant exemplified all of these and more.
His life was gentle; and the elements
So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up,
And say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!
-- William Shakespeare
Alice McGalliard Sayman
11/09/2011
Maura - I am so sorry to hear about Grant's passing. A wonderful person taken way too soon. My wish for you and the kids is that you can find peace and strength to get through this difficult time. May God comfort you and watch over you as I am sure Grant is doing right now.
Barbara Robertson
11/08/2011
Bill and Barbara
I am so sorry to hear of Grant's passing. I pray that God will be with you and Grant's family at this time.
Stefanie Larson
11/08/2011
Dear Maura I'm Brandon's sister, I never got the chance to meet Grant but he sounds like
a Amazing person. Brandon and Steph always had such nice things to say about him.
Im so sorry for your loss words cant say enough. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark and Susie Atterberg
11/08/2011
So sorry to read about your son Grant. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Erin (Wallace) Campbell
11/08/2011
Maura....
I'm so sorry to hear about Grant's passing. As a wife and mom of two young children my heart aches and prays for you. You, your children, Grant, and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. I think back to you as president of Pi Phi and Grant as president of Sig Ep, what a power couple, who were so very strong together. He will be with you and your children always. May you find comfort and strength from your children, who will keep you moving forward.
Tami Lamporte
11/08/2011
My Mom and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to Grant's family. It has been several years since we've seen you Barb & Bill, but you are certainly in our thoughts and prayers.
Tami & Marilyn Lamporte
Palm Springs, Ca.
Charlette Hradek
11/08/2011
Barb and family,
My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Please know that I am here for you anytime and for anything. You have a lot of support so let us help. Take time to grieve and cherish the wonderful memories you have of your son. Love you!
Dee Marlett
11/08/2011
Maura, I am so sorry to hear about your husband passing away. I can't even imagine what you are going through. I just want to let you know that if you need anything please do not hesitate to let me know. My kids are always running around and would be more than happy to play with your kids to give you a break. You know Neal would love to play with your boy and my girls love babies. Sometimes you may just need a minute alone. I am praying for you and will keep you in my thoughts. Please, please let me know if there is anything I can help out with.
Dee Marlett, neighbor
Pam Huntley
11/08/2011
I've know about Grant and his courageous battle with cancer through my working friendship and relationship with Kit at Wells Fargo. She had described his dedication to his battle and extreme desire to be a loving and active part in his children's and wife's life. You must be so proud and appreciative of the time that he spent with each one of you!
Hold on to the fantastic memories and know that he will always be the "angle on your shoulder." Find comfort in his strength and the power of prayer.
My sincere condolences to your family.
Pam
Rob Dwyer
11/08/2011
You don't know me, but I went to school with Grant at Indian Hills and we hung out a bit. But lost touch when I went to Dowling and Grant on to Valley. Our mutual childhood friend Mike Burdick told me about Grant's passing and I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your tragic loss.
I admired his athleticism, his charisma and how he was so kind to everyone. I have a three year old daughter with one on the way. Life, family and work can get so hectic at times. Reading about Grant's story gave me a sense of clarity on whats really important. I just wanted you to know that Grant left an impression on me back then and he continues to do so today.
I am a better person knowing him for the short period of time our paths crossed. Thank you Grant for a re-focus on what is really important, family, and friends. Rest in peace.
The Heth Family
11/08/2011
Kenworthy Family and Friends - You are in our thoughts and prayers. I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know Grant at HON and Allsteel. I will never forget how Grant could connect with people and make you feel like a cherished friend. He always made time to help and encourage others, he was always smiling and positive no matter what challenges he was facing, and he made you want to be a better person.
June Clute
11/08/2011
Barb, Bill, and Family,
I was greatly saddened to read about Grant's passing. I still have pictures of your children when we were neighbors in KeoKuk, and I will always remember Grant as the precious little boy next door. My heart and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
June Clute
Joan Strentz
11/08/2011
Dear Maura and family,
I was shocked and saddened to see that your husband passed away. Just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with and your family. I remember you and your sister from 5th and 6th grades. You were both outstanding girls.
My sincere sympathy, (Mrs.) Joan Strentz