November 17, 1959 – March 18, 2026
Kenny Fox, 66, of Sumner, died Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Mercy One Hospital in Waterloo surrounded by his loved ones.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the American Legion Hall in Sumner. Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.
Kenneth Lee, son of Cebert and Diane (Drewes) Fox was born on November 17, 1959, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner. He was baptized December 13, 1959, and confirmed on June 2, 1974, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sumner. Kenny received his education in the Sumner Schools and then on July 8, 1978, he was united in marriage with Rebecca Lynn Bathke at the United Methodist Church in Sumner. To this union three children were born, Matt, Amber, and Amy. The couple later divorced but remained friends.
In the early 1990s, he met Sharmaine Redfield, who became his life companion. Through this relationship he gained a stepson, Joey, and together they welcomed a daughter, Laura.
Kenny held many jobs throughout his life, and no matter where he worked, he brought a strong work ethic, a quick wit, and a willingness to lend a hand. Over the years he worked at Wiedrich’s Turkey Farm, Fox Trucking, D & V Grain, Lifeline, Matt Construction, and Don’s Trucking. But the place where he spent the bulk of his working years, and the job that truly became part of who he was, was building trailers at Southern Classic. He took great pride in the craftsmanship of his work there, and the friendships he formed during those years remained some of the most meaningful of his life.
Throughout his life, Kenny had been a member of the Hawkeye Volunteer Fire Department and had a great love for the outdoors. Through the years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, cars, snowmobiling, camping, and boating. After he retired, he could be found helping his brother Brad fix trailers, visiting and or helping his siblings, or in the simple comfort of his garage. That space became his haven, he enjoyed working on his toys and trucks that needed fixing, woodworking, and losing himself in the familiar hum of projects that never truly ended. Friends and family knew that if the garage light was on, Kenny was exactly where he wanted to be.
When he wasn’t working with his hands, he could be found settled into his favorite spot on his couch, watching his favorite movies on the DVR or old reruns especially Westerns and MAS*H, shows he never tired of. But above all, nothing brought Kenny more joy than the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Whether it was a quick visit, a shared meal, a conversation, or simply being in the same room with them, those moments were the heartbeat of his life. His family was his pride, his purpose, and his greatest blessing.
Kenny “Smut” was a hardworking, kind, and deeply loving man, the sort of person whose presence made life feel steadier and whose laughter made even an ordinary day brighter. He was an amazing dad and a proud, devoted grandfather, always ready with a smile, a story, or a helping hand. As a brother, he was loyal and protective; as a friend, he was the kind you could count on without question. Kenny touched the lives of everyone who knew him, and the love he gave so freely will continue to echo through his family for generations. His absence leaves an ache that words cannot fill, but his memory will remain a blessing to all who loved and adored him.
Kenny is survived by his children Matt (Mandy) Fox of Sumner, Amber (Matt) Hunt of Sumner, Amy (Jeff) Platt of Sumner, Laura (Lloyd) Little of Westgate, and Joey Redfield of Sumner; sixteen grandchildren, Kravyn and Kambryn Westendorf, Ethan, Dylan, Nolan, and Logan Hunt, Noah, Wyatt, Jeffrey, and Carsen Platt, Ethan and Elijah Little, Richard Koch, Adalynn Little, Felix Koch, and Melody Kimber; siblings, Sheila (Joe) Wiedrich, Robert Fox, Billy (Marla) Fox, Connie Fox, David Fox, Kevin Fox, and Bradley (Rita) Fox, all of Sumner; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cebert and Diane Fox; life companion, Sharmaine Redfield; sister-in-law, Deb Fox; and many aunts, uncles, and additional family members.
beckermilnesrettig.com