Ira Kinney

Dates

Obituary

Ira Kinney, 86, of Mitchell, SD, died Monday, September 28, 2026, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, October 3, at Bittner Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell.

Ira A. Kinney was born June 29, 1940, to Pet and Helen (Smith) Kinney, in Burwell, NE. At the age of 17, Ira joined the U. S. Navy, serving from July 15, 1957, to May 31, 1961, with honorable discharge. Upon discharge from the Navy, he worked various jobs, including mining, the post office, and helping gifted children at school.

He was gifted with six children: William Eugene Word (Kinney) and wife, Judith Ann Mooney, and their children, Hank , Amy, Cluck, Christine (Kevin) Josh, and Katie Work; Timothy Allen Word (Kinney) and wife, Charlotte, and their daughter, Sarah (Joe) Steinhaur; Velene Hemeyer; Alena Kinney; Casey Kinney; and Miya Kinney and husband, Gabriel Hernandez, and their children Royal and a baby girl on the way, Scarlett Athena; and a stepson, Victor McKittrick. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In 2004, Ira married a loving and caring Pilipino, Elaine Del-isen. They were married 22 years till death do them part. Ira’s phrase for the past month prior to his passing was, “beautiful life, beautiful wife,” with a soft smile to his wife.

Ira enjoyed western movies, bull riding, and rodeo.

He was preceded in death by his son, Casey; brothers, Hank and Richard; sister, Virginia (Ralph) Ferris; and Ralph Ferris Jr.

Service

Cemetery