Raymond Eugene Kirkdorffer

Raymond Eugene Kirkdorffer, was born on the family farm in Grundy County Aug. 29, 1934 to Ila and Delbert Kirkdorffer. He died Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024 in Marshalltown, at the age of 89.

As a young man, Ray moved to Waterloo, where he studied business. There he met and married Eloise Fry. Ray and Eloise returned home to the farm where they had four children: Kim, Brian, Alan and Rita. They were together until Eloise’s untimely passing 13 years later. Ray later remarried to Katherine McLennan, and together raised their children on the farm. They would have celebrated 53 years of marriage in August.

Ray was known by his family and his friends as a quiet person who talked when there was something that needed to be said. He was always composed, dependable and loyal to those he held close while outspoken and opinionated to those he held closer.

Ray was a lifelong member of Ivester Church of the Brethren, holding several leadership positions in the church. Always quick with a smile and an innate ability to listen without judgement, he made it easy for others to be comfortable even in silence. 

As he and his wife, Kathy, became more mature, they decided to escape the Iowa cold by wintering in Florida before ultimately landing back in central Iowa year-round. In typical Ray fashion, they returned with many lifelong friends from their new state.

Ray’s love of horses and his steadfast kinship with fellow enthusiasts of Missouri Fox Trotters provided years of enjoyment riding, camping and spending time in the great outdoors. 

Ray’s life touched many people. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his children, Kim (Ron), Brian (Carol), Alan (Michele) and Rita (Dutch).  He also has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought hours of entertainment (and cause for him to deliberately turn off his hearing aid at times) in later life.

The family is asking in lieu of flowers to consider a memorial to Camp Pine Lake: Church of the Brethren (https://www.camppinelake.org/contact) or the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown, Iowa (https://www.arlmarshalltown.com). Services will be held at a later date.