SPENCER — Owen James Kies, 21, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in Spencer.
A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 19, at Geelan Funeral Home, 403 11th Street SE in Spencer. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home, with Andy Geelan officiating.
Owen was born May 7, 2005, in Carroll, the son of Mike Kies and Jenny Thelen. He grew up in Spencer and graduated from Spencer High School in 2023.
Following high school, Owen attended Iowa Lakes Community College for one year before beginning his career as a welder with Ranco.
Owen was a hardworking young man who took pride in his work and the welding trade he had grown to enjoy. He remained involved with the welding committee at Iowa Lakes Community College and was recently selected to serve on the college’s Welding Advisory Board.
Sharing his knowledge, helping others learn the trade and contributing to the welding program meant a great deal to Owen.
Away from work, Owen treasured the interests and simple moments that brought him happiness. He had a particular love for his motorcycles and also enjoyed fishing and golfing.
Owen loved spending time with his pets, especially his cat and dog. Family and friends will remember him for the relationships he built, the skills he shared and the enthusiasm he showed for the things he loved.
Those left to cherish Owen’s memory include his mother, Jenny Thelen of Spencer; father, Mike Kies of Linn Grove; sister, Danie Holmberg of Spencer; grandparents, Dan and Tina Thelen of Carroll and Francis and Carolyn Kies of Storm Lake; great-grandparents, Allen and Louella Thelen; aunts and uncles, Christy (Keith) Horan, Jeff (Stacy) Kies, Christina (Mark) Martin and Kevin Thelen; cousins, Madelynn, Melany, Mara, Drayke, Alex, Regan, Paxton, Athena and Gregory; and many extended family members and friends.
Additional information and opportunities to share condolences are available through Geelan Funeral Home.
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