Kenneth Maurice Elhard

Kenneth "Kenny" Maurice Elhard, born June 18, 1970, passed away peacefully at his home in Ankeny, Iowa, on October 21, 2025, from complications of renal failure. He was the deeply loved son of Lynne Geneva Elhard (née Davis) and the late Dennis William Elhard, formerly of Grinnell, Iowa.

Kenny was a gentle soul with a kind heart and a quiet strength. He graduated from Grinnell High School and continued to call Iowa home throughout his life. Those who knew him best will remember his soft-spoken nature, his dry and often wicked sense of humor, and his curiosity about where he came from. Kenny had a deep love of family history, spending countless hours researching his genealogy and sharing his discoveries with those he loved. Kenny had an affinity for movies, especially old Westerns. And he loved their dachshund, Libby!

More than anything, Kenny was devoted to his mother, Lynne. He made it his life's mission to ensure she was cared for and supported every single day-a reflection of the deep love and gratitude he carried for her. Kenny recently gave Lynne an early Christmas gift, a camera, to encourage her to continue taking pictures of nature.

Kenny was preceded in death by his father, Dennis William Elhard; his brother, Mark Edward Elhard; his maternal grandparents, Kenneth Claude Davis, Ethel Pearl Davis (née McCabe), and Clifford Maurice Davis; his maternal uncle Dan Davis; his maternal aunt Teri Davis (formerly Sachse); and cousins Dan Davis, Danny Campbell, and David Sachse.

He is survived by his mother, Lynne Elhard of Ankeny, Iowa; his aunts Mary Gail Campbell (Gary) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Becki Fisher (Chuck) of Ankeny, Iowa, and Mary Lou Davis, widow of Dan Davis, of Arizona; his uncle Tim Davis (Cindy) of St. Cloud, Minnesota; and many cousins, extended family members, and friends who will miss his warmth, humor, and kindness.

Kenny's gentle presence will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him. His compassion, his laughter, and his quiet care for others leave behind a legacy of love.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

"Forever loved, forever remembered-Kenny's kindness and gentle heart will remain with us always."