Ken Hying, age 83, of Lake City, Iowa, passed away at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.  Kenneth was born on August 18, 1942, in Richland Center, WI, the son of Elmer and Coletta (Lins) Hying. Ken graduated from Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, WI, in 1960.  After graduation, Ken enlisted to serve his country in the United States Army from 1961 until 1964.

On April 16, 1966, Ken was united in marriage to Gertrude (Gert) at St. John's Catholic Church in Muscoda, WI.  This union was blessed with four children: Julie, Kevin, Michael, and Eric.  Ken worked at J.I. Case Co. and Western Publishing Co. in Racine, WI. At Western Publishing, Ken was the fleet administrator and territory manager.  In 1973, he was transferred to Ankeny, IA.  In 1977, Ken and his wife moved their family to Lake City, IA, where they purchased the Ben Franklin Store, later adding stores in Sac City and Rockwell City.

Ken was an avid fisherman who never met a stranger, played cards, and enjoyed reading.  He also enjoyed camping with his three grandchildren, Brandon, Brooke, and Hannah.  Ken was a member of the Lake City Betterment, Rotary Club, American  Legion, Lake City Councilman, Mayor, Country Club Board Member, and was the treasurer for several years for the Knights of Columbus.

Ken is survived by his wife, Gert, of 59 years; daughter Julie (Mark) Schmidt of Sac City, IA; two sons, Kevin Hying of  Rockwell City, IA, and Eric Hying of Lake City, IA; grandchildren: Brandon Schmidt (Molly) of Bellevue, NE, Brooke Schmidt of Sac City, IA, and Hannah Schmidt of         Urbandale, IA, great-grandchildren: Eleanor, Theo, and Audrey Schmidt. Other survivors include his brothers: James (Germaine) Hying, Laverne Hying, Don Hying, Bernie (Cindy) Hying; sisters: Gloria Miller, Carol Bartels, and Diane Hinkle; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son Michael in 1991, parents Elmer and Coletta; brothers-in-law Karl Miller, Allen Bartels, and Bill Hinkle; and sisters-in-law Lou and Celene Hying.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Memorial Mass will be 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake City, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 pm with a Rosary at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Lampe and Powers Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Lake City, Iowa.