Wiebensohn retires after 50 years with Gladbrook Fire and Rescue

Kenneth “Kenny” Wiebensohn retired from Gladbrook Fire and Rescue on Dec. 31, 2025 after 50 years of service and marked the milestone with a Jan. 18 gathering of family, friends and colleagues.

Kenneth “Kenny” Wiebensohn ended a 50-year tenure with Gladbrook Fire and Rescue when he retired on Dec. 31, 2025 and celebrated with family, friends and fellow responders at the station on Jan. 18. He joined the department after graduating from Gladbrook High School in 1975 and initially served alongside his father, Pete. Over the decades he held every department role except secretary and served as chief for a total of 22 years. Wiebensohn is also a retiree of Tama County Secondary Roads, having left that job in January 2021. Key facts: - Wiebensohn officially retired Dec. 31, 2025 and the department marked his service with a Jan. 18 gathering at the fire station. - He began service in 1975 and reached a record 50 years with Gladbrook Fire and Rescue. - Firefighting runs in the family: his father Pete served with the department, his brother Roland died in a house fire near Reinbeck, and other relatives have served in nearby departments. - He held every role in the department except secretary and was chief for 22 years in total. - He described changes over time, noting more formalized training, increased paperwork, and a greater reliance on grant funding for rural volunteer departments. Summary: Wiebensohn’s retirement closes a five-decade chapter for Gladbrook Fire and Rescue and highlights a multi‑generational connection to local firefighting. He is now a double retiree after leaving Tama County Secondary Roads in 2021, and his wife said he is likely to remain emotionally connected to the department by listening on the radio. Undetermined at this time.