Kenny, John Thomas "Tom" 1922-2008

KENNY, PHILIPS

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/26/2008 at 16:42:10

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, February 26, 2008

John Thomas (Tom) Kenny of Whitefish, Mont., and formerly of Akron, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, while wintering in Mesa, Ariz.

Tom was born in Early, Iowa, on Jan. 17, 1922, the son of Thomas and Ruth Kenny. Tom graduated from Akron High School and attended Morningside College.

Tom married Bonnie Philips on Feb. 22, 1942 and the couple was soon to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary. After their marriage, they began a farming and livestock operation in northwest Iowa. During this time, Tom served on the Iowa State Soil Conservation Board as he had such a passion for conserving the farm land. He was always a "teacher" to his children and helped several young men begin farming, one of these young men was Grayling Willer, who still operates his farm in Iowa.

Tom was a member of the Masons and rode with the Shriners' White Horse Mounted Patrol. He loved flying his airplane, Alaskan salmon and halibut fishing, hunting and pursuing new adventures like scuba diving, snow skiing, and traveling in his motor home to name a few. One of his adventures brought him to Montana where he and Bonnie eventually relocated. They purchased land where Tom continued his love of farming and developing his land along Whitefish River.

Tom was a "Rock" for his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Tom recently had mentioned to his family how proud and blessed he was to have such a wonderful family and close friends. Tom's spirit and faith in the Lord was evident in his daily living. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, Mont.

Survivors include his wife Bonnie; two daughters, Judy Kay Togiai of Kennewick, Wash. and grandsons John and Justin Togiai, Kathleen Rea and husband Dennis of Whitefish, Mont., and grandson Taylor Rea; son James (Schueller) Kenny and wife Diana of Akron and grandsons Mike (Lynn), Matt (Bobby Jo) and Mark (Melissa) Kenny; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Millie (Bob) Herzberg, Rosemary (Calvin) Karr, and Ellen Cornelius; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert and a brother-in-law, Andy Cornelius.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, Mont., on July 20, with Pastor John Bent officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the North Valley Hospital Foundation, 1600 Hospital Way, Whitefish, Mont. or Christ Lutheran Church, Whitefish.