Kevin Michael Tena

Kevin Michael Tena, lovingly known as Honey, Dad, Papa, Bro, and Son, was born on July 16, 1968, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Irma and Robert Tena.

Kevin met the love of his life in 1986, and together they welcomed their first son in 1987. Though life took them in different directions and each married others, fate had different plans. They were reunited in 1998 following the passing of his step-father, LeRoy, at which time they blended their families and raised seven children together in San Diego, California.

In 2005, Kevin and his family moved to Iowa in search of a better life. Over the years, they lived in Cedar Rapids and North Liberty, Iowa, and once all the kids grew up and moved away, Kevin and LaDena relocated to Crowley, Texas for 6 years. In 2018, they returned to Iowa, residing in Grimes and Marshalltown before settling in Norwalk. In 2024, Kevin, along with his wife, built a home alongside his oldest son, a home where he spent the rest of his days surrounded by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Kevin was a Certified Welding Inspector and worked as a welding engineer at EFCO Forms in Des Moines, Iowa. With over 40 years of experience, he took great pride in his craft. He deeply respected the wisdom of older generations and served as a role model for those younger than him. At work, he was a mentor who genuinely enjoyed teaching others and sharing his knowledge.

At just seven years old, Kevin chose the Minnesota Vikings as his lifelong football team, simply because he thought their helmets were cool. He faithfully cheered them on for the next 50 years, always holding out hope for a Super Bowl win. “There’s always next year,” he would say every year.

Kevin loved fishing and hunting, but above all, he loved his family. He loved his wife with every ounce of his being and believed his grandchildren were the most amazing beings on earth. He cherished every moment spent with them. Though he was a big man with a rough exterior, those who truly knew him understood that he had the softest heart, especially when it came to his family.

Kevin passed away suddenly at his home in Norwalk, Iowa, on December 24, 2025, at the age of 57.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Tena, step-father, LeRoy Tena, and his brother, Phillip Tena.

He is survived by his loving wife, LaDena; his children Kyle (Missy), Ryan, Kody (Sierra), Amy (Kevin), Kayla (Metin), Megan and Kenny; his grandchildren Brody, Lucas, Garrett, Cambria, and Nora; his brother Russ (Mindy); his mother-in-law Sandi; and his mother, Irma. The world will be a bit quieter without you, and you will be deeply missed because of it. We love you forever!