Moss, Kenneth A.

Kenneth A. Moss, 94, of rural Iowa City, passed into eternal life on Monday, May 6, 2013, at his home.

Kenneth was born Feb. 21, 1919, in Iowa City, the eldest son of Claude Everett and Elsie Mae (Fletcher) Moss. He attended City High School where he graduated with the class of 1937. While in high school, he excelled in the sport of football, which later served him well at the State University of Iowa where he had the honor of scrimmaging with Nile Kinnick. At the University, he met his future bride, Janice Ruth Gilbert. They were married in 1943, nearly 70 years ago! Ken and Jan started a dairy farm north of Iowa City. Soon Ken's father, Claude joined them and they moved the operation to Ken's family farm on North Dubuque Road, which is still in the family.

Ken was not a man to sit still, he and Jan traveled extensively, from spending some winters in Hawaii, to following the Hawkeyes with their bowl games, to trips through Hills Bank Friends Club, and of course, wherever the family activities would take them! His unwavering belief in family was demonstrated by his strong support of his sons as they participated in football, baseball and wrestling in high school and at U of I. He continued coaching Babe Ruth Baseball long after his own kids were through competing. He also supported his children in their extra curricular activities in school, 4-H and clubs. Ken enjoyed playing golf and was still playing racquetball in his 60s. Ken was a proud grandpa as he watched his grandchildren in their many school activities, and for most of his grandchildren, being that person who taught them to drive “stick shift” in the infamous red truck! He enjoyed playing euchre and bridge with family and friends in several groups over the years.

While he loved his family, he was also involved in his community, he was a founding member of the Iowa City Booster Club, instrumental in the Pancake Day, was a Mason, a member of the Presidents Club, Quarterback Club and a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church. For over 40 years, Ken was a fixture at the University working for former U of I President Virgil Hancher, traveling many miles and years as one of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics ambulance drivers, and as the equipment manager for Recreational Services at the U of I Fieldhouse, retiring from the University in 1989.

His family includes his wife, Janice; four children, David (Janet) Moss of Lafayette, Colo., Stephen (Sonya) Moss of Iowa City, Sharon (Darwin) Thirtyacre of Iowa City and Jerry Moss (Teri Blume) of Iowa City; 10 grandchildren, Brad (Jayme) Moss, Jason (Danielle) Moss, Katie (Rich) Coffman, Stephanie Moss, Stacy (Luke) Zeller, Skyler Moss (Sarah Post), Patricia (Joe) Gleason, Jodi (Pat) Ford), Brenda (Chris) Langenberg and Jeff Thirtyacre; 13 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Nia, Jared, Madison, Sydney, Mikayla, Alec, Lena, Brody, Quinn, Addison, Stella and one boy to soon arrive; and one great-great-granddaughter, Harper.

Ken's sister, Donna (Jerry) Walkup of Coralville; and brother-in-law, Harold Schenk of Hills, also survive.

Wonderful memories of weekend softball tournaments that Ken played in, productive strawberry patches, milking the cows, and playing basketball in the hay mow, to name a few. Smiles you leave us with, a life that will always be remembered and cherished, love you Dad and Grandpa!

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 9, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City. (Sunday parking ordinance will be in effect for the streets around the church) Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Thursday until services at the church and a time of fellowship and lunch will be immediately following the services. Burial will be at Memory Gardens following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ken's memory to First United Methodist Church of Iowa City or Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at .

Published in The Gazette May 8, 2013.