July 4, 1928 — April 12, 2026
Dr. Kenneth Block lived a life of kindness, consideration, and humor for 97 years. He was born on the 4th of July, 1928, and his spirit rose from this Earth on April 12, 2026. He was quick with a joke or story, and began each day singing or whistling a tune, in a good mood all the time.
He was raised in Renwick, Iowa, by parents who encouraged education, ethics, manners, and community involvement.
He graduated from Renwick High School (Captain of the basketball team! Go Scarlet Raiders!); received his B.A. Degree in Sociology at the University of Iowa (GO HAWKS!!); from there entered the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed at Parks Air Force Base, Calif. While in the military, he did graduate studies in Penology at George Washington University. His rank was First lieutenant when he left the Air Force after 3 years, and then he attended the Illinois College of Optometry and received a Doctor of Optometry O.D., graduating 2nd in his class. He was also a member of MENSA, an international organization for people with high IQs.
When Ken was in college, a buddy back in his hometown set him up on a blind date with a new school teacher, Marybelle, and they fell in love. They married and had four daughters, Stephanie (Keith), Jennifer (Chuck), Amy (Bill), and Julie. Family was the greatest joy of his life. He loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, siblings, nieces and nephews. Ken also cultivated many friendships over the years that meant the world to him.
During his higher education years, Ken spent five summers working as a section hand on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, and various other fill-in jobs ranged from janitor to elevator worker to a brewery. When he completed optometry school, Ken and his family moved to Northwood, IA, to begin a 38 year optometry practice. After retiring, he wrote a Sunday column for the Mason City Globe Gazette as the North Iowa Kid.
Besides seeing to the vision needs for approximately 14,000 patients over the years, Doc was very active in the community: Founding member of Bridge-O-Rama, a bridge club that was great fun, but also raised money for the community; Charter member of the Northwood Jaycees, holding several offices (local and state); First Lutheran Church council (two years as president); 10 years on the city council; one year as president of the Worth Country Red Cross; TUNE chairman for two years; chairman of the first Miss Northwood Pageant. He also volunteered at the Top of Iowa Welcome Center by the interstate, greeting travelers as they made a pit stop.
At the time women were doing “Red Hat Ladies” activities, Ken started an “Orange Toppers” group for men, and they wore orange hats and gathered for little visits and coffee. In 2025, he participated in the “Lake Song Chorus,” a choir in Albert Lea formed to celebrate the joy of making music despite memory loss for those with dementia, their care partners, and community volunteers.
If he was asked if he ever won anything, he’d proudly say he once won a spitting contest!
Kenny is survived by his daughters, Stephanie, Jennifer, Amy and Julie, and his grandchildren Addie (Kris), Joe (Brandy), Nick, Tim (Rebecca), Levi, and Ellie; Great-grandchildren Amaya, Max, Bodhi, Campbell, and Mable; also a sister-in-law, Nancy (Jack) Bushnell, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Kenny was preceded in death by his soulmate and wife, Marybelle; his parents, Claus and Anna Block; his siblings: Myrtle, Clem, Arnie, Florence, Merrell, Connie, Eva and Carroll; his sister/brother-in-laws: Jay, Cass, Ruth, Ivy, Ruth, Howard, and Janice. Also Sue (Phayne), Brooks, and Fred (Barbara); nephews/niece: Bill, Tom, Rich, David, Jamie, David Allen, Mark, Kenny Lee, Phyllis, Jamie and Kent.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at The Timbers, Northwood, IA, on May 9th, 2026, at 3:30 PM, with luncheon and fellowship to follow the service. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:30 PM before the service.
Ken was a lifelong University of Iowa Hawkeye fan, supporting all their sports, and at any given time could be seen wearing Hawkeye apparel! Anyone attending the service is encouraged to wear Hawkeye attire.
Interment will be at the State Line Cemetery, Northwood.
The family would like to thank the personnel at Prairie Senior Cottages and the St. Croix Hospice for their loving care.
Your presence and support mean the most. If you would like to honor Ken with a gift, donations may be made to Lake Song Chorus, payable to: Albert Lea Chamber Foundation.
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