Kenneth Justice

Kenneth Ralph Justice, more affectionately known as Kenny J, was born on June 19, 1963, the son of Larry and Lillian (Gunnlaugsson) Justice at Manning Hospital in Manning, Iowa. He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. Kenny attended Manilla Community Schools, where he excelled in athletics and set school records in both football and track.

After completing his education, Kenny worked at Farmland Foods in Denison before moving to Texas and later Oklahoma, where he worked as a welder. In 2001, he returned to Manilla and was employed by TenPoint and later Boeck Construction. For the past 15 years, he worked alongside his father, Larry, and his sister, Denise, on the family farm. He also enjoyed helping his sisters, Denise and Christy, at the Juice Bar and Grill in Manilla.

Kenny enjoyed spending time with friends at the Kandy Kitchen, where he often played pool. He was also a familiar face at The Goat in Aspinwall, where he liked to give the bartenders a hard time and visit with friends. An avid NASCAR fan, Kenny also faithfully followed the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Dallas Cowboys. He had a genuine appreciation for the game of football. Kenny was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was to family, friends, or anyone in the community who needed it.

Kenny passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at his home in Manilla at the age of 63 years, one month and six days. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Jusice; brother, James Justice; grandparents; brother-in-law, Lyle “Critter” Christensen; great-nephew, Owen Lingle; uncle, Maynard Gunnlaugsson; and aunts: Maynette Jutila and Alta (Merlin) Nulle.

He is survived by his mother, Lillian Justice of Manilla; sisters: Denise Christensen of Manilla and Christina Justice of Manilla; sister-in-law, Amanda Justice of Grimes; nephew and nieces: Doug (Sarah) Ridgley, Stephanie (Justin) Ahrenholtz, Jessica (Alisa) Lingle, Katie Lingle, Rebecca (Dylan) Bradley, Caydence Justice and James Lingle; nine great-nieces and great-nephews; Emiry, Elli, Erikah, Everest, Weston, Wade, Austin, Winry and Imogen; aunts: Jeanne (Larry) Young, Martina (Rip) Koken, Kathy (Jim) and Penny Gunnlaugsson; uncle, Tim Jutila; and other relatives and many friends.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Nishnabotna Cemetery with Rev. Lori Shannon as the officiant.

His Celebration of Life will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Memorial Hall in Manilla. The family will direct memorials.