In lieu of gifts and flowers please make donations to Kingsley Fire Department or Care Initiatives Hospice.

Wayne John Plendl, age 85 of Kingsley, Iowa passed away on May 13, 2026 surrounded by family at Kingsley Specialty Care Nursing home in Kingsley, IA.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Kingsley Funeral Home & Monument in Kingsley, IA with Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Burial will follow at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Kingsley. Visitation with family present will be 5-7 p.m. on Monday with a Vigil Prayer Service at 7 p.m. all at the funeral home. Visitation will resume on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Services have been entrusted to Kingsley Funeral Home & Monument in Kingsley www.kingsleyfh.com.

Wayne was born Jan. 7, 1941, in Kingsley, IA the son of Alvin and Elvera (Lindgren) Plendl. He grew up in the Kingsley area graduating from Union High School in 1959. After graduation, Wayne purchased a 1960 red Chevy Impala Convertible car, which was his pride and joy. Following, high school, he farmed with his dad and brothers and drove truck for Plendl Feed Delivery and delivered feed for Nutrena Feeds.

He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart; Gloria Kinzey on Oct. 6, 1962 and they were married for 63 years. Wayne was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Kingsley.

Wayne was very involved in his community over the years; serving on the Ambulance Squad, serving as Fire Chief and Mayor of Kingsley. Wayne and Gloria traveled the U.S. delivering fire trucks for Smeal Fire Company. Wayne and Gloria spent 5 winters in Alamo, Texas and enjoyed the many friends they made there.

Wayne also known as “John Boy”, was a man whose life was defined by service, strength and love for others. Whether he was behind the wheel of a truck, answering a fire call as a volunteer firefighter and later Fire Chief, taking a call from a concerned citizen as Mayor of Kingsley, or lending a helping hand to someone in need, Wayne was always someone people could count on. A true handyman, there wasn’t much that he couldn’t fix, and he gladly shared his talents with family, friends and neighbors alike.

Wayne also found joy in fellowship and friendship through the motorcycle club “Crockett Cruisers” of Alamo, Texas, where he shared many memories with those who became like family.

Above all else, Wayne was devoted to the people he loved. He was a faithful husband, a dependable dad, a loveable Papa, and a caring brother whose presence brought comfort and laughter to those around him. His faith guided the way he lived his life – with kindness, humility, and generosity.

Wayne is survived by his wife Gloria; son, Chris (and special friend Dawna) Plendl and his family, Justin (Andrea) and Taylor Plendl; a daughter, Beth (Dean) Niehus and their family, Nathan (Bekah) Niehus, Brooks, Baylor and Brystol, Nick (Aubri) Niehus, Nolan (Jaylee) Niehus, Eleanor and Charlotte; son Craig (Jackie) Plendl and their family Nicole (Chase) Koskovich, Russell, Alex (Shawna) Plendl, Sutton and Logan (Hannah) Plendl. Also surviving Wayne are his three sisters, Bonita Davison, Cindy Thomas, Shelly Schweitzberger; sister-in-laws, Ann Plendl, Dian (Jack) Morby, Denise Eckerman and Bobbi Kinzey; one brother-in-law, Joe (Jackie) Kinzey.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Elvera; his parents-in-law, Marian and Bernard Kinzey; his brothers Dick (Mona) and Bob Plendl; a nephew, Dee Jay Davison; brother-in-laws, Dean Davison, Monk Thomas, Gayle Morgan, Brian Kinzey and Dave Eckerman.

Though he will be deeply missed, Wayne’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.