Shelby County Authorities Investigate the Tragic Death of 32-Year-Old Therasa Kenkel in Earling
The small, tight-knit community of Earling, Iowa is grappling with shock and sorrow following the discovery of the body of 32-year-old Therasa Kenkel inside her home on Thursday. Authorities with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed that an active investigation is underway to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding her untimely and tragic death.
According to initial reports, deputies were dispatched to Kenkel’s residence in Earling—a quiet rural town with fewer than 500 residents—after a welfare check was requested by concerned acquaintances who had not heard from her in several days. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers made a heartbreaking discovery: Therasa was found deceased inside the home.
Investigators have not released many details publicly, but officials have confirmed that foul play has not been ruled out at this time. An autopsy has been scheduled by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner to determine the official cause and manner of death. The results of that examination will help guide the direction of the investigation in the coming days.
Therasa Kenkel, known by family and friends as a kind-hearted and soft-spoken woman, had lived in Earling for several years. Those who knew her describe her as gentle, nurturing, and deeply loved by those in her circle. She was a daughter, a friend, and a neighbor whose presence brought quiet warmth to those around her.
“She was a good soul, always willing to help someone else even when she was struggling herself,” said a longtime family friend. “This news has devastated us. We just want answers, and we want justice if something wrong was done.”
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has requested the public’s cooperation and encourages anyone with information that might be relevant to the case to come forward. They have stated that even the smallest detail could be crucial in understanding what happened and ensuring a thorough and accurate investigation.
In the meantime, the community of Earling has come together to support the Kenkel family during this painful and uncertain time. Friends and neighbors have left flowers near her home and shared heartfelt messages of remembrance across social media platforms.
A candlelight vigil is expected to be organized in the coming days as a tribute to Therasa’s life, offering space for grief, reflection, and solidarity.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left grappling not just with the loss of a young woman, but with the unsettling reality that tragedy has struck so close to home.
Shelby County officials are expected to release more information once the autopsy is completed and further investigative steps have been taken. Until then, they ask for patience and respect for the grieving family.