Raymond Kness
February 09, 2014
Raymond Kness, 89, was born October 31, 1924, in Exira, Iowa, the oldest of 11 children born to Dewey and Genevive Kness. He passed away from lymphoma on February 9, 2014 at Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation in Altoona, Iowa.
After graduating from high school, Raymond served in the United States Army. Following his discharge from the Army, he lived in Guthrie Center where he was a volunteer fire fighter for more than 20 years. In 1958, he began working for Herman M. Brown, now known as International Harvester, as a heavy equipment diesel mechanic. In 1960, he moved his family to Des Moines to continue his career. While the majority of his time was spent at Herman M. Brown, he also worked for Des Moines Parts and Equipment, Concorde, and Petticord. Raymond was dedicated to his career as a mechanic, working two full time jobs his whole life, retiring in 2012 at the age of 87.
When Raymond was not working, he enjoyed NASCAR, especially Tony Stewart, and attending the HyVee Coffee Club on E. Euclid in Des Moines.
Raymond is survived by his former spouse, Mildred; his children, Dennis (Barbara) Kness, Margaret “Peggy” (Tom) Tingley, and Wanda (Dale) Dennis; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in loving memory of Raymond.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Larry Stumbo
02/16/2014
Sorry to hear about Ray. I remember the times at Herman Browns, the kids had the run of the building,intercoms,cartoons and gifts. Ray and my dad were hard workers.Say hello to Millie. Sorry for your loss.
Roger Dorr
02/14/2014
So sorry to hear about Ray. I grew up about a block from the family in Guthrie Center and knew him and his brothers very well .My prayers go out to his family, Roger Dorr
Carey
02/14/2014
Ray was my patient for years, i loved seeing him and hearing about his work and family, i am sad for your loss
Jim Plathe
02/14/2014
I am sorry to here of Ray passing
He was an inspiration to me at
Herman M Brown. He taught me
things about diesel engines.
He will always in my heart.
We would also see each other
at the Hy-Vee on Eculid Ave. when
I would go there for lunch. He was
kind and gentle person.
Sorry for your loss.
Patti Ann Hill
02/12/2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayer to your family.
Melissa Thompson
02/12/2014
Our prayers go out to Ray and his family! We have had the wonderful opportunity of living across the street from Ray for the past 14 years. He was always so kind, he would let our kids fly their kites, practice ball or ride the go kart in his back yard. It wasn't unusual for us to run into him at Hy-Vee having dinner! He has been missed and he will always be in our hearts! God Bless and may he rest peacefully!
Connie Capehart
02/12/2014
Iam sorry to hear of Rays passing. I met Ray at the Cyclone Truck Stop on E. Guthrie back around 1975. He always came in and had coffee and I enjoyed his smile and his personality. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Peggy Jackson
02/12/2014
To the family and friends of Ray. He was a kind and generous person. He worked with my and my husband several times in years past. He helped with several diesel problems we had. God Bless you all.