Kenneth Eugene Thrap

Kenneth Eugene Thrap, age 91, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026.

Kenny was born in Boone County, Iowa, on November 29, 1934, to Ralph and Harriett (Lendt) Thrap. On August 21, 1954, he married the love of his life, Nancy Andrews, beginning a devoted partnership and family journey that spanned over seven decades.

A man of exceptional work ethic, dedication, and skill, Kenny was a proud 72-year member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 45. He dedicated 48 years of service to The Waldinger Corporation before retiring. Kenny was also deeply involved in his community as a member of the Southgate Masonic Lodge, the Des Moines Scottish Rite, and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine.

Kenny truly lived by the motto to work hard and play hard. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who found immense joy in the outdoors, and he could always bring warmth and energy to a room with his love of dancing and singing. Among his fondest memories were those shared with Nancy, their family, and dear friends at their cabin at Leisure Lake, Missouri.

Kenny is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Thrap; his four children: Denise (Bill) Johnson, Diana McAfee, Kenny (Becky) Thrap, and Jim Thrap (Donna); nine grandchildren: Kerstan (Emily) McAfee, Jenny (Brian) Deeds, Theresa (Josh) Russell, Shawn (Erin) Thrap, Amanda (Cliff) De Maris, Kyle (Danyelle) Thrap, Kendra (Caydon) Haskins, Kelsi (Graham) Jensen, and Nicole (David) Raman; along with eighteen cherished great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Harriett Thrap; his sisters, Betty Poole Austinson and Virginia Giofreddi; and his son-in-law, Bill McAfee.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children.