Kenneth D. Heldenbrand, age 78, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2015, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. A graveside service with military rites will be held 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at Van Meter Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. Memorials may be designated to the Alzheimer's Association and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Kenny was born on August 24, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa to William and Ester Heldenbrand. He was raised in Van Meter, Iowa and graduated from Van Meter High School with the class of 1954. Kenny was united in marriage to his lifetime sweetheart, Joann Miller on April 10, 1954, in Indianola, Iowa. He served over 42 years with the Iowa National Guard and also in the Reserves. He was a member of the Montezuma United Methodist Church. Kenny's memory will be cherished by his loving wife of 61 years, Joann Heldenbrand of Grinnell; three children, Ronn Jean (Steve) Heaberlin of Des Moines, Iowa, Dennis (Peggy) Heldenbrand of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Cheryl Quinn of Newton, Iowa; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and four siblings, Donald (Jean) Heldenbrand of Madrid, Iowa, Louie (Chari) Heldenbrand of Linden, Iowa, Judy (Roger) Roland of Grinnell, and Jane Jones of Adel, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Russell Heldenbrand; and a sister, Joan Spencer.