Kenneth Charles “Kenn” Vinson

June 22, 1950 – May 26, 2026

Kenn was born in Oskaloosa, IA, to Robert & Mabel Vinson and raised in Knoxville. An Eagle Scout, he graduated from Knoxville High School in 1968 & met his future wife, Pamela Marie Day. The two were married in August 1969.

He attended Iowa State University before graduating from Central College, in 1972. He spent his entire 40-year career with Alliant Energy, serving in a variety of management roles. He was respected for his leadership, professionalism & commitment to his colleagues & the communities Alliant served.

Marshalltown, IA, was home for most of Kenn’s adult life. A strong believer in civic engagement & community service, he devoted countless hours to local organizations. He served on the Marshalltown Community College Foundation Board & was the chairman of the Marshalltown Water Works Board of Trustees. He also served in leadership roles with economic development & business organizations, including the Marshall-town Area Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church.

In 2020, Kenn & Pam moved to The Villages, FL, where they enjoyed retirement together.

Kenn had a lifelong love of fishing, traveling & history. An avid reader, he enjoyed learning, exploring & sharing his interests with others.

As the son of SSgt Robert Vinson, a veteran of the World War II New Guinea campaign, Kenn possessed a fierce sense of patriotism. He was passionate about honoring & caring for our U.S. military veterans & volunteered at the Iowa Veterans home, participated in The Villages Honor Flight program & spent hours meticulously crafting World War II model airplanes.

Those familiar with Kenn knew a man who held firm beliefs, cared deeply about the things that mattered to him & devoted significant time & energy to his family, career, church & community.

Kenn, 75, passed away surrounded by his family in The Villages on May 26, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pam; his sons, Michael & Brian; his sister, Carol McAdam; & many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Kenn’s memory will live on in the many lives he touched through his work, service, friendships & family relationships.

Graveside services will be held at 11am on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville, IA, the community where he was raised, graduated from high school, and met the love of his life. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Honor Flight Program or the Iowa Veterans Home is appreciated.