Obituary

Kenneth Joseph Formanek, 88, of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines, surrounded by his family.

Ken was born on February 10, 1937, in Britt, Iowa, to Joseph Edward and Margaret Estella (Jakoubek) Formanek. He graduated from Britt High School, where he served as senior class president. A proud native Iowan, Ken grew up along the shores of Eagle Lake in Hancock County, where his lifelong love of nature first began.

From an early age, Ken was captivated by the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Countless hours spent exploring the marshlands near his home inspired a career devoted to conservation and education. He served the Iowa Conservation Commission for 36 years as a park ranger and information specialist, specializing in television and still photography.

Ken’s talent for photography and his passion for sharing Iowa’s natural heritage led to his work being widely recognized. His photographs appeared in Iowa Conservationist, The Iowan, The Des Moines Sunday Register’s Picture Magazine, The New York Times, and Natural History. His work was also featured in Encyclopedia Britannica, National Wildlife, and Iowa’s Natural Heritage. Many of his award-winning photographs were included in the Outdoor Writers of America Association’s traveling photo exhibit.

Ken is survived by his children, Ann (Kevin) Oleson, Carol (Brad) Jackson, and Timothy Formanek; grandchildren Blake (Olivia) Oleson, Hannah Oleson, Kyle Jackson, and Olivia Jackson; sister Angela Tedrow; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda Lou (Till) Formanek, in 2019; his parents, Joseph and Margaret Formanek; and his brother-in-law, Tom Tedrow.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, October 31, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3300 Easton Boulevard, Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the church hall.

Ken and Brenda will be interred in their Trappist urn at St. John’s Cemetery in Duncan, Iowa in a private ceremony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation or EveryStep Kavanagh House.

Kenneth's service will be livestreamed on the Iles website. Go to www.ilescares.com just before 11:30 a.m. Friday and scroll to the bottom of his obituary for the link to join the service.

Online condolences are welcome at www.ilescares.com

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Kenneth Formanek, please visit our Tribute Store.