Edward Harold Kyker was born on May 26, 1940, in his parents' farm home in Endicott, Nebraska, to Dale and Ruth Kyker. He peacefully passed away on November 18, 2023, surrounded by his children in the home he designed and built in his later years.
Growing up in Fairbury, Nebraska, Ed cultivated practical skills in caring for livestock, managing crops, carpentry, and land stewardship. The family enjoyed cherished moments solving puzzles, fishing, sharing jokes, and exploring the Nebraska countryside.
A proud Fairbury High Jeff, he made the all-state team in football and participated in FFA. He went on to study architecture at the University of Nebraska, and his career flourished in Des Moines, Iowa, starting with Engelbrecht & Griffin and culminating in the ownership of his firm, Kyker Johnson Architecture. A proud member of the AIA, his legacy includes iconic structures across Des Moines and Central Iowa.
Ed also played hard, traveling the world with many visits to Europe and South America and was a dedicated member of The Des Moines Rugby Club. He chaperoned marine biology trips to Florida and supported his children's creative endeavors, earning him the title of Hoover High School Drama Parent of the Year in 2008.
He is survived by his children: Lyndsay Kyker (Jose Ignacio Barrio Rey) Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Gillum Kyker of Des Moines, IA; Samuel Kyker of Chicago, IL; Emily (Tim) Bonis and Juno (Aymar) Mpouki of Bath, ME. He leaves behind grandchildren Eidan and Liam Barrio Kyker; Leah and Alaina Bonis; and Oscar and Isaac Kemple. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen (Tom) Weichel of Billings, MT.
Edward Kyker was an incredible partner to Cheree Tilton. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Lawrence, and sister Esther. His absence will be deeply felt, and he will forever be missed.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held in the spring at the Des Moines Rugby Club.
