Edward James Keninger

Edward James Keninger, known to many as Bearded Eddie, died July 14, 2015, after a brief illness. He was born June 14, 1951, in Spencer to Bernard and Vivolyn (Toomsen) Keninger. He attended the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, before graduating in 1970. After high school, he attended Northwest Iowa Vocational School in Sheldon, where he learned the skills that he used in his career supervising and teaching building maintenance.

Edward was a skilled woodworker who took pride in creating children’s toys, plaques, furniture, and other woodworking projects. In recent years, he loved making pens and giving them as gifts. He enjoyed being actively involved in the Newton community where he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Ed was a best friend to many people with specials needs over the years. He always kept his home open for those who needed help. He’ll be remembered for an endearing and often self-deprecating sense of humor, his excitement to see those he loved and his willingness to forgive others.

Edward is survived by his six children, Monica (Dusty) Reha of Alleman, Erik (Kim) Keninger of Ankeny, Sam (Girlie) Keninger of Belmont, Calif., Korey (Danielle) Keninger of Clive, Luke Keninger of Fariway, Kan., and Zachary (Molly) Keninger of Ankeny. He was particularly proud of his 12 grandchildren, Briana, Jakob, Valerie and Natalie Reha; Alex, Nate and Isaac Keninger; Everett and Bobby Keninger; Simon and Will Keninger; and Brannon Keninger. He was known to them as M&M Grandpa because he spoiled them with candy.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Jane Keninger; his daughter Maria Keninger; and grandson Joseph Reha.

A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. A public vigil service will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Memorials can be designated to Mercy Hospice House in Johnston and may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com