Kenneth Owen
May 19, 1935 ~ January 3, 2026
Kenneth Michael Owen, 90, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Cottage Grove Place, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from 10 – 11 a.m. then a luncheon from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass beginning at 12:30 p.m. all on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Reverend Douglas Loecke is officiating. Burial immediately follows at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara; children, Kathleen (Gary) Moore, Debra (Ken) Spratt, and Michael (Becka) Owen; eight grandchildren, and a great grandson on the way.
Ken was born on May 19, 1935, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the son of Rosco and Elizabeth Fay (Ryan) Owen. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1953, and culminated his college education with a Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas in 1959. Ken spent his career in social work, primarily in private practice and with the Abbe Center for Community Health.
On November 26, 1964, he married Barbara Harrington, at St Matthew’s. Ken focused his life on his family, his faith, and his community. He was a dedicated member at St. Matthew’s, serving as a cantor and singing in the men’s choir. Ken was most proud of his work volunteering with the Metro Catholic Outreach Food Pantry and working with those recently released from incarceration with the RISE Program of Fresh Start Ministries.
In his free time, Ken enjoyed keeping his mind and body active. Walking, reading, and doing creative arts and crafts were his favorites. Ken’s gentle spirit and kindness will be remembered by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Denice, Sharon, and Robert.
Memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Catholic Church and the Metro Catholic Outreach Food Pantry.
Please share your support and memories with Ken’s family on his obituary page at www.stewartbaxter.com under the Obituaries tab.
Services
Visitation:
Thursday, January 8, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
St. Matthew Catholic Church
2310 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8269
Luncheon:
Thursday, January 8, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
St. Matthew Catholic Church
2310 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8269
Funeral Mass:
Thursday, January 8, 2026
12:30 pm
St. Matthew Catholic Church
2310 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8269
Burial: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
375 32nd St. Dr. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
319-362-4659
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Ken was a very good man. I hadn’t seen him in awhile so didn’t know he was ill. He accomplished a lot and was a very nice man. To his family please accept my deepest sympathy.
John, thank you so much for your kind words and the condolences shown to us, as we mourn the loss of our father. It brings us great comfort to hear how much he was loved.
To all of Ken’s family, I send all of you my condolences at this very difficult time. I was very fortunate to work with Ken at the Abbe Center, and at Associates for Behavioral Healthcare for many years. He was an excellent therapist and it was wonderful working with him. I know he loved music and the choir. I went several times to hear him and the choir when they sang Handle’s Messiah at the church downtown by the art museum. It was so inspirational to be present there. I send you my prayers for peace and comfort and hopefully the memories will sustain you as you grieve. May his memory be a Blessing. Toni Neta
Toni, our family sincerely thanks you for the wonderful memories, your prayers and condolences you shared with us after my father’s passing. Your support has brought us comfort during a very hard time.
Rest in peace, Ken. Great spiritual mind and cantor at St. Matthews. AMDG. Peace.
Dear FP Felser and Family,
Thank you for your kind words and support during this difficult time. Thy have meant more to our family than we can express.
Dear Owen family, we are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Truly have lost an amazing person. Sending you love, strength and comforting hugs. Tim, Vani, Deepa, Kavitha
Dear Tim, Vani, Deepa and Kavitha,
Our family sincerely thanks you for the love, compassion and support. You were always such wonderful neighbors. We all have very fond memories of all of you. Dad was a wonderful example of a life well lived and will be deeply missed by us all. Your kind words have truly helped comfort us during a very hard time.
Karen,
Thank you so much for your kind words and memories of our father. We are deeply grateful for the love and condolences shown to us as we mourn his loss.
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Such nice memories I have of working with you on your home in Bowman Woods. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jan Siders.
Jan,
Thank you so much for your kind words, prayers and support during this difficult time. We truly feel blessed by the love and support shown to our family.