Obituary of Edward J. Keninger

Edward James Keninger, known to many as Bearded Eddie, died on July 14th after a brief illness. He was born on June 14, 1951 in Spencer, Iowa to Bernard and Vivolyn (Toomsen) Keninger. He attended the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, Iowa before graduating in 1970. After high school, he attended Northwest Iowa Vocational School in Sheldon, Iowa where he learned the skills that he used in his career supervising and teaching building maintenance. Edward was a skilled woodworker who took pride in creating children’s toys, plaques, furniture, and other woodworking projects. In recent years, he loved making pens and giving them as gifts. He enjoyed being actively involved in the Newton community where he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Ed was a best friend to many people with specials needs over the years. He always kept his home open for those who needed help. He’ll be remembered for an endearing and often self-deprecating sense of humor, his excitement to see those he loved, and his willingness to forgive others. Edward is survived by his six children: Monica (Dusty) Reha of Alleman, Erik (Kim) Keninger of Ankeny, Sam (Girlie) Keninger of Belmont, CA, Korey (Danielle) Keninger of Clive, Luke Keninger of Fariway, KS, and Zachary (Molly) Keninger of Ankeny. He was particularly proud of his twelve grandchildren: Briana, Jakob, Valerie, and Natalie Reha; Alex, Nate, and Isaac Keninger; Everett and Bobby Keninger; Simon and Will Keninger; and Brannon Keninger. He was known to them as M&M Grandpa because he spoiled them with candy. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Jane Keninger, his daughter Maria Keninger, and grandson Joseph Reha.