Obituaries » Kenneth LaBounty
Kenneth LaBounty
May 4, 1945 - December 8, 2021
Funeral Home Memorial Services of Iowa
Kenneth LaBounty, 76, passed away on December 8, 2021 at Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Urbandale, IA. He was born May 4, 1945 to Harry and Louise (Tomingo) LaBounty.
Anyone that knew Ken for more than five minutes, knew he had a special heart of gold. He stood for integrity, dependability, and devoted his life to helping others. He was a family man, but his definition of family extended to so many friends throughout the years. He was the son of Louise and Harry LaBounty of Charles City, Iowa. He had three brothers and two sisters. He worked hard as a teenager, delivering paper routes, and milk. He liked to fish. He would talk about the time he got his fish hook stuck on his dad’s forehead. He went on to graduate from high school in Charles City, and Carnegie Business School in Minneapolis.
He began his sales career with beauty products in Des Moines, and moved in with his great friend Denny. This became his lifetime career, and he was blessed by it. He often told people how they should greatly enjoy what they do in life. He also was famous for telling people to get out there and not be afraid to meet people. He would especially tell new employees not to hide behind their desk. He met his wife Dorothy (Dottie) Domino in June of 1969. They were married on April 4, 1970! They have three children, Troy (1971), Gina (1973), and Michael (1980). They raised their family just outside of Ankeny.
When Michael was three, Ken needed emergency surgery. This surgery changed his life. Soon after his surgery, doctors reached out to Ken to see if he would help others. He had a gift helping others experiencing similar health challenges. Ken volunteered to go to the hospital and visit others no matter what time of day. He spent as much time with the patient as they needed!
Ken had a smile that would light up the room. If anyone was having a hard time in life, he would go and help. This is how he lived his life! Everyone relished Ken, and saw so much light and joy in his life, that it sparked others to have joy too.
He enjoyed time with his wife, three children, 11 grandchildren and many friends. He enjoyed vacations. He would save all year to take his family on one great vacation each year. He liked fishing and going on his annual Canadian fishing trip with his buddies. He enjoyed cruises, but mostly anywhere there was a hot tub! He built a house on a lake in Montezuma, Iowa, where Ken looked forward to the simple pleasures of taking his family and friends out for a boat ride or fishing on the dock. He appreciated spending time with his grandkids. They would come to visit him on the lake or in Arizona, and he would often spend one-on-one time and take them out for breakfast or out fishing. He is greatly missed by his grandkids and they love him so much!
Ken and Dottie moved to Arizona in 2012. The thought of retirement, friends, golfing, and eating, was so exciting for him. He was so happy there and enjoyed to walk over to visit with neighbors. He enjoyed golfing a few times a week with his buddies. Ken also made daily trips to the pool and hot tub. He loved driving to church and looked forward to his visits with his friends in his golf cart. He was happy when family and friends came to visit.
His faith was always important to him, but it wasn’t until spring of 2017 that Ken chose to accept Jesus into his heart!
Ken started to develop Alzheimer’s Disease in early 2018. They decided it was best to move closer to family and back to Ankeny. Ken enjoyed family reunions and we were able to make that happen in Charles City, one last time for Ken. He was so happy to see everyone. As his health worsened, he was moved into Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s facility in Urbandale, IA, in 2020. He continued to change lives in Glen Oaks. He would always be visiting and socializing with everyone there, and he said often, “God has been so good to me!” and “I Love it here!” Ken was the joy of so many of the residents and staff there. It was after three falls in one day, that his health started to slide significantly.
Ken is survived by his wife; Dottie; son, Troy (Fabio) of Dexter, Michigan; daughter, Gina (Len) of Lake Orion, Michigan; Michael (Abigail) of Ankeny, IA; 11 grandchildren Sierra, Amaya, Zach, Ellie, Hannah, Caleb, Ava, Noelle, Landen, Rosaline, and Clara. He is survived by two brothers, Jim (Marcie), Don (Char), and proceeded in death by his loving parents, sisters Loraine and Elaine, and brother Keith.
Ken will be remembered for his gentle love, and concern for all people. He was a rich blessing and continues to live on in the memories of those that knew him.