Kenneth Ven Rooy
Kenneth “Kenny” A. Ven Rooy, age 73, of Colby, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease at the Marshfield Medical Center.
A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, at First United Church of Christ in Colby. Pastor Teri Hanson will preside. Interment to follow at the Colby Memorial Cemetery with military honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Family and friends are welcome from 3 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday all at the church. Live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.
Kenny was born on September 21, 1948, the son of Harold and Evelyn (Herrmann) Ven Rooy. He graduated from Colby High School in 1966. Kenny then served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany from 1969-71. He earned an associate degree in Operating Engineering Technology from Dickinson State College in North Dakota in 1979. On February 10, 1990, Kenny was united in marriage to Connie Schmidt at First United Church of Christ in Colby.
Kenny started working at his neighbor’s farm when he was nine. He proudly spent over 40 years as an Operating Engineer with Operating Engineers Local 139, operating heavy equipment, his favorite being bulldozers. Kenny took pride in putting the finishing touches on the job. He then taught at the Operating Engineers Training Center in Coloma, retiring in 2013. In retirement, Kenny returned to farming, working with his brother-in-law, Dan Schmidt. He was happiest working and could fix anything and make it even better. He loved animals and loved life. Most importantly, Kenny cherished and loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
Kenny is survived by his loving wife, Connie; two children: Jennifer (Brad) Schumacher of Baldwin and Jeremy Kilty of Kronenwetter; six grandchildren: Hailey, Cadence, Rylan, Cameron, Chael and Charlotte. He is further survived by four siblings: Karen (Wayne) Neuman of Colby, David (Barb) Ven Rooy of Owen, Diane (Daryl) Kulas of Colby and Kathy (Bill) Kuru of Fond du Lac; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lyle, and his nephew, Shayne Neuman.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
Paid obituary 124108
