Kenneth D. Van Maanen, of Brookings, SD, peacefully passed from this life on June 20, 2024 at the age of 88.
Memorial services have been set for 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 1, at Brookings Christian Church, Brookings, SD. Memorial Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.
Kenneth D. Van Maanen was born on Oct. 3, 1935, in Volga, SD, to Ed and Evelyn (Vanden Berg) Van Maanen, the middle of four siblings.
Ken spent his early years in the Volga and Bruce areas. He learned the meaning of hard work at a young age as he was employed on several area farms, and the Volga Co-op Creamery. Ken graduated from Bruce High School in 1954. While attending school there, he met the love of his life, Jane Ann Kinney. They would later be united in marriage on June 23rd, 1957. Five years later they were blessed with one son, Bradley.
Ken enlisted and served one tour of duty with The United States Army from 1958-1960 where he served in Heidelberg, Germany. After the Army, he was employed as an implement mechanic and shop foreman for more than twenty-five years. Ken always enjoyed challenging mechanical repairs, and showed an admirable amount of unwavering patience. He became for many, the person to call when you needed a hand to get something running.
The last part of his career was spent at the Brookings Telephone Company, later known as Swiftel Communications. Ken dedicated 16 years to their supply/inventory department, prior to his retirement in the year 2000.
His faith was something that carried him through many walks of his life. In 1962, Ken was baptized at the Brookings Christian Church where he served many years as the building maintenance director, board chairman, deacon, and church elder.
Ken could always be found with a cup of coffee in hand and a good story to follow. His favorite pastimes included countless trips to the Black Hills cabin, traveling/camping, wood working, fishing, riding his tractor, and attending many SDSU Jackrabbit sporting events and MN Twins baseball games. Most of all, he enjoyed time with family, friends, and those he loved. Ken was especially proud of his four grandchildren and attended many of their events over the years.
Ken is survived by his wife, Jane of 66 years of Brookings, SD; his son Bradley (Amy) of Sioux Falls, SD; his four grandchildren Brandon Van Maanen, Jordan Van Maanen (Alicia), Nathan Van Maanen, and Megan Van Maanen. As well as 3 great-grandchildren Olivia, Addison, and Abel. Also, several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents, his siblings, Roy (Doris), Walter (Lois); his sister, Sylvia Heuer (Gene); his Mother & Father-in-law, Eugene and Ferne Kinney, and nephew Randy Van Maanen.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
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