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Panama Today
By the People, for the People
Longtime Iowa Priest and Educator Fr. Leonard Kenkel Dies at 91
Fr. Kenkel taught biology and chemistry at Dowling Catholic High School for over 25 years and served as a parish priest in Des Moines and Creston.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Father Leonard Anthony Kenkel, a longtime priest in the Diocese of Des Moines who taught science at Dowling Catholic High School for over 25 years, passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 91. Fr. Kenkel was born in Panama, Iowa in 1934 and was ordained a priest in 1960. In addition to his teaching career, he served as a parish priest in Des Moines and Creston before retiring in 2008.
Why it matters
Fr. Kenkel's long career as both an educator and a parish priest made him a beloved figure in the Des Moines community. His dedication to teaching science and supporting Dowling Catholic's athletic programs, as well as his service to multiple parishes over the decades, left a lasting impact on generations of Iowans.
The details
During his 27 years at Dowling Catholic High School, Fr. Kenkel taught biology and chemistry, served as the Science Department chair for 22 years, and was the school's chaplain for the athletic programs. He was recognized for his excellence in teaching, receiving awards from the Iowa Academy of Science and the National Association of Biology Teachers. Fr. Kenkel also published several articles in science education journals. After retiring from Dowling in 1989, he went on to serve as a parish priest in Des Moines and Creston until his own retirement in 2008.
- Fr. Kenkel was born on May 28, 1934 in Panama, Iowa.
- He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Des Moines on June 5, 1960.
- Fr. Kenkel taught at Dowling Catholic High School from 1962 to 1989.
- He served as a parish priest in Des Moines from 1990 to 1996 and in Creston and Afton from 1996 until his retirement in 2008.
- Fr. Kenkel passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 91.
The players
Fr. Leonard Anthony Kenkel
A priest in the Diocese of Des Moines who taught science at Dowling Catholic High School for over 25 years and served as a parish priest in Des Moines and Creston before retiring in 2008.
Dowling Catholic High School
The high school where Fr. Kenkel taught biology and chemistry for 27 years, serving as the Science Department chair and chaplain for the athletic programs.
What they’re saying
“Father Leonard's dedication to teaching science and supporting Dowling Catholic's athletic programs made him a beloved figure in the Des Moines community. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students and parishioners.”
— Bishop Michael Jackels, Bishop of the Diocese of Des Moines (westerniowatoday.com)
The takeaway
Fr. Kenkel's long career as both an educator and parish priest exemplifies the important role that religious leaders can play in shaping their local communities through a commitment to both spiritual and academic pursuits.
