Loren Kiel, age 78, of Decorah, Iowa, and Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away at his home in Decorah on January 26, 2026.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E Water Street, Decorah, Iowa.

Loren was born on September 16, 1947, the son of Lenart and Helen (Knutson) Kiel. He graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1965 and received his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Northern Iowa in 1969.

After graduating from college, Loren drove his blue Plymouth Barracuda hatchback to Thornton, Iowa, to begin his teaching career. Loren taught high school business law, U.S. history, and economics, coached junior high football and basketball, and was the high school boys' basketball assistant coach. While teaching, he also pursued his graduate degree at Iowa State University.

Loren abruptly resigned his teaching job in March 1973 when his father suddenly passed away. He moved home to immediately take over the family farm.

He met his wife, Sue Weselmann, in 1974, shortly after she graduated from Luther College. They married in a private ceremony in Sue’s parents’ living room on March 25, 1975.

Loren and Sue ran the farming operation, raising corn, beans, cattle, and hogs, until the 1980s farm crisis led to a farm sale on a wet, muddy spring day in 1984. Loren was proud of the farm and the conservation practices he used, including no-till practices and efforts to build a pond. The first attempt to build a pond proved challenging, and Loren learned it would take more than a few sticks of dynamite.

After farming, Loren embarked on his next career as an investment counselor. He completed the required securities licensing exams and background checks and went on to found Midwest Group Benefits, providing employee benefits to companies, schools, and hospitals across the region. Loren was very proud of his work and was dedicated to his employees and clients.

During his working life in Decorah, Loren served on many boards and organizations, including Oneota Golf and Country Club, Aase Haugen Foundation Board, Winneshiek County Economic Development, Decorah Jobs, and First Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Elks Lodge. Loren was also chairman of Calmar Lutheran Church, serving during the construction of a new church following a fire that burned the frame church in January 1975.

During retirement, Loren spent winters in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the volunteer boards found him again, including the troublesome homeowner’s association.

Loren’s primary enjoyment and love was spending time with his family, son Adam, and daughter Anne, his granddaughters, Marin and Lenora Kiel, and Violet and Vivian Buchanan. He was an avid reader, investor, political junkie, and an entertaining golfer. He also took great pride in his ability to back campers into the tightest of spots. No campsite was too challenging for his skills in conquering the perfect tree-lined spot in many national parks.

Loren was a kind, thoughtful man who often put others' needs ahead of his own. His generous, caring spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Grace Story. He is survived by his wife, Sue, son Adam, daughter Anne, granddaughters Marin and Lenora Kiel, Violet and Vivian Buchanan, brothers-in-law Robert Story, Robert Weselmann, Lael Weselmann, David Rex, and sisters-in-law Sylvia Rex, Mona Weselmann, Terri Reese, and his nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials may be given to WinnMed Hospice in gratitude for their compassionate care.