Kenneth "Kenny" Sims Sr.

Kenneth “Kenny” or “Ken” Robert Sims, Sr., was born May 1, 1966, in Torrance, California to Phyllis A. Sims (Norris) and Warren J. Sims. The Sims family spent many years in Los Angeles, California, before later settling down in Des Moines, Iowa, where Phyllis and Warren were both born and raised. Kenny graduated from March Mountain High School (Moreno Valley, CA) in 1986. While sitting still in school was not for Kenny, he was known as the class clown and for sneaking out the classroom windows on a sunny California day to head to the beach with friends. In addition with thinking school was a drag, he was already a self-taught mechanic and on his way to becoming a licensed Plumber even before graduating. Kenny apprenticed with his father, Warren, to learn the plumbing trade which was a Sims family tradition. He obtained his Masters in Plumbing and opened his own business, Sims Plumbing, which was a huge dream of his for years. He worked many years for other plumbing companies in Des Moines area while working on the side and weekends building his own small business. In the last few years it had become too much for him with health issues so he began working for AJ Plumbing, where he worked until his death on May 23, 2021.

One of the greatest moments for Kenny was the birth of his son, Kenneth R. Sims, Jr., who entered this world on December 31, 1987, in Long Beach, California. The splitting image of his father, Kenny Jr., also dabbled in the plumbing trade with his dad and uncles but is now a talented tattoo artist in Des Moines. Kenny Sr. was a big kid himself and children just were drawn to him. He was lucky enough in his life to be a bonus dad to Allen Gay, Hollie Harper, Bridget Huffman, and Robin Wiese, all of Des Moines, IA, with his ex-girlfriend Shelley Ryan Kulp. Kenny is survived his brother Steven Sims (Kimberly) of Waukee, sister Jennifer Kennedy (Shane) of Des Moines, brother Douglas Kratzberg of Mt. Ayr, and sister Sandra Hauf of Montana. Kenny was a devoted uncle and leaves behind nieces and nephews: Gage, Steve Jr., Crystal, Heather, Sara, Chelsea, and Michael, along with numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by both his mother and father, sister Cathy Miles of Colorado, and brother Michael Kratzberg of Cedar Rapids.

For anyone who crossed Kenny’s path, they became an instant friend. He was very social and loved having his family and friends around him. If you ever needed anything, Kenny was there to help. He was a coffee drinker and had his morning ritual of waking up super early, having coffee with his mother, Phyllis, chatting about life, and a few cigarettes before heading into work. He was a devoted son who helped take care of his mother as she battled Alzheimer’s before her death on June 5, 2014. Kenny and his father, Warren, spent many hours visiting and talking plumbing while enjoying a few cold beers, until he passed on May 27, 1995.

Kenny loved to go fishing – didn’t matter if it was at night down by the Des Moines River, a small country pond, or on a weekend boat excursion in the Pacific Ocean. That was the only time you really ever saw him stand still was when he was fishing. He also loved to hit the slots at Prairie Meadows and was pretty lucky when it came to winning. His other enjoyments were his garden, tinkering with any kind of machinery, grilling, working on art projects, and chilling at home watching movies with his two cats, Tippy and Baby Girl. Now his house and vehicles were kind of always a disorganized mess, but he knew exactly where everything was, especially his plumbing tools. You did not rearrange his tools - haha! His musical tastes ran from good ole 70’s music to 80’s hair and heavy metal to country. During his teen years spent in Los Angeles he and his brother Steve were able to meet and see a lot of talented rock bands before they hit it big and enjoyed going to see the legendary street races in Hollywood.

Kenny was a big guy and his size could be intimidating to some, but he was what his sister Jennifer likes to refer to him as: “a gentle giant.” He was the best big brother and protector you could hope for in life. He was a strong person, both physically and mentally, and his strength was what helped to keep the Sims family going as they faced lots of hard times and his father Warren’s 17 year battle with cancer. Kenny was creative and would always figure out ways to get the family thru when needed with his intellect and ingenuity. He was a calm and patient person, unless it came to plumbing or working on cars – you had to do it right the first time in his book! His work ethic and integrity was to be admired. He never gave up and never quit trying.

On May 23, 2021, Kenny’s life was cut way too short while mowing his front lawn when a heart attack took him from us. Kenny had this huge, boisterous laugh that was contagious for anyone around. Even on a bad day he found something to laugh about and be happy for. His strength, wisdom, sense of humor, and love for his family and friends never wavered and to say he will be missed is an understatement. He is at peace with his mother and father and there’s no doubt he will still be watching out for all of us left to grieve his absence.

The family would like to thank the good Samaritans who stopped and tried to perform CPR until the ambulance came on Kenny in his front yard. We would also like to thank his employer, AJ Plumbing, for their support during this most difficult time. And to all his friends, coworkers, customers, and family - thank you for all your prayers and thoughtful messages, your love and support is appreciated more than you know.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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