Kenneth “Ken” John Leiss

Kenneth "Ken" John Leiss was born on February 27, 1947, in Boone, Iowa, to his parents John and Wilma (McConkey) Leiss. As the child of a military parent, Ken grew up in many different parts of the world. At the age of 11, he was raised at the Annie Wittenmyer Home in Davenport. After Ken graduated high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, honorably serving his country in the Vietnam War, as a helicopter gunner. He was awarded 2 purple hearts, the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, Good Conduct medal, Vietnam Service medal, and the Army Commendation medal, with Valor.

After his discharge from the military, Ken worked several jobs before beginning his career as an over-the-road truck driver. In his later years, he worked as a clerk for the US Postal Service, in which he retired from.

On September 26, 1980, Ken was united in marriage to Vicki Wagner, in Oelwein, Iowa. The couple were overjoyed to welcome four children into their family.

In Ken's free time, he loved to travel with his family and enjoyed seeing the many sights across the country. He always enjoyed his trucking days, loved history shows and telling stories (he never told the same story twice), enjoyed watching football, playing any pinball machine he could get his hands on, and frequenting amusement parks. What brought the most joy to Ken, was spending time with his family. His many stories, love for his family, and zest for life, will bring comfort and peace, to all those he leaves behind.

Ken is survived by his wife Vicki of Waterloo; children Abbie (Scott) Morley, Jen (Steve) Davis of Cedar Falls, Liz Leiss, and KJ Leiss, both of Waterloo; grandchildren Ashlyn & Calysta Davis, Keadyn Leiss-Demus and Natalee Watson; brother John (Marie) Leiss of Hawthorne, CA and sister Leila (Chuck) Hennessey of Cedar Rapids. He rejoins in Heaven his parents; daughter Lindsey Leiss.

Ken passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 30th at UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 5th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Locke Funeral Home at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 6th at 2:00 PM at Locke Funeral Home at Tower Park. Military honors will be performed following the funeral service at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately by the family. Memorials may be directed to the family. For messages of condolence, please visit www.lockefuneralservices.com.