January 19, 1943 – October 4, 2026
Kenneth “Kenny” Michael Kingsley, 83, of Rushford, Minnesota, passed away October 4, 2026.
Ken was born on January 19, 1943, on his mother’s birthday, at Effie Cottrell’s in Rushford, Minnesota, to Robert and Henrietta (Vitse) Kingsley. Ken grew up in the Rushford and Houston area.
While growing up, he lived in such exotic places as Gates Coulee, the McCloud place, the Hoegh farm, Brooklyn, South Rushford, Money Creek, Swede Bottom and Vinegar Hill.
After graduating from Rushford High School, Ken farmed with his dad and was employed at Peerless Chain, Morken’s Ford and Earl’s Tree Service.
On February 8, 1964, Ken married Carol Jahr at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. They farmed in the St. Charles area, where Wanda and Dave were born. Ten years later, they moved to Uncle Louie’s farm on Vinegar Hill.
Farming was always an important part of Ken’s life. His Jersey cows were his pride and joy, and he had a lifelong love of horses that began with Prince and May, the horses he grew up riding bareback.
Over the years, Ken stayed involved in many activities, including 4-H as both a kid and a dad, the St. Charles Jaycees, Root River Saddle Club, square dancing with the Root River Spinners, Mending the Heartland and many years with the Card Club.
Ken and Carol moved to Peterson, Minnesota, in 1992. He attended Winona Vo-Tech to become a semi-driver and went on to drive a million miles accident free. He was known on the CB radio as “The Jersey Kid.” Upon retirement, he drove school bus and was janitor at Rushford Lutheran Church for several years.
Ken loved a good western book or movie and always wanted to be a cowboy. He also loved to read and write. He wrote “Hey Pretty Lady,” which he copyrighted in 2010, along with many handwritten stories and memories about his life.
Family was at the heart of Ken’s life. “Grandpa Kenny” especially enjoyed entertaining and being the designated driver for his five grandsons during their preteen summers. For some reason, those adventures in the red van are not in writing.
Ken also had a soft spot for his school bus kids. He loved visiting with them, handing out treats and making the ride a little more fun. Many years later, some of those kids were among the staff caring for him at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home and still remembered riding Kenny’s bus.
Ken loved a good cup of coffee, a piece of pie and a visit. Whether you knew him as family, a neighbor, a fellow farmer, a bus driver or simply someone he happened to meet along the way, there was usually time for a story.
The family extends a special thank you to Pastor Steve Chellew and the staff of Good Shepherd Lutheran Home and St. Croix Hospice for the care, kindness, support and many conversations they shared with both Ken and Carol.
Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol; children Wanda and Chuck Anderson and David Kingsley; grandchildren and great-grandchildren,: Royal Anderson (Karli and Kovi), Riley and Rachel Anderson (Isla and one more on the way), Ross Anderson, Nate Kingsley and Hannah Thompson (Gabe and Mila), Cole and Sara Kingsley (Brooks, Aria and Carsyn), and Allie Kingsley and Cole Kleppe; brothers Bob Kingsley, Al and Carol Kingsley; and sister Merry Berg.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Lois.
The funeral for Ken will be held Friday, October 9 at 1 p.m. at Rushford Lutheran Church, with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. The service will also be livestreamed on the Rushford Lutheran Church YouTube channel. Burial will be at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church Cemetery at 3 p.m.
A gathering will follow at 5 p.m. at the family farm, now the Lazy K Ranch Event Venue, 3784 Christianson Hill Rd., Houston, MN. All are welcome to come share memories and celebrate Ken’s life.
Happy Trails to our beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa Kenny, brother, uncle, bus driver and good friend to all.
Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hofffuneral.com.
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