James Kenneth "Kenny" Vanderhoff

James Kenneth "Kenny" Vanderhoff November 29, 1946 – October 29, 2025
James Kenneth "Kenny" Vanderhoff, 78, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025. Kenny lived a full and extraordinary life marked by courage, craftsmanship, laughter, and love.
Kenny attended two years at DeSales High School, but thereafter a proud graduate of Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati (Class of 1964). Kenny's early years were filled with grit and determination-qualities that would define him throughout his life. A gifted athlete, he was a Golden Gloves Champion in both Louisville and Cincinnati, and in 1967, while serving in the United States Marine Corps, he competed in the Camp Lejeune All-Marine Boxing Tournament alongside the legendary Ken Norton.
Kenny enlisted in the Marines in 1964 and honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. His bravery and sacrifice were recognized with several honors, including the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Following his military service, Kenny founded Vanderhoff Floor Company, where he built a reputation throughout the Tri-State area for excellence in gymnasium floor installation and refinishing. His dedication to his craft and his unwavering work ethic earned him deep respect in his field and among all who knew him.
Beyond his work, Kenny lived life with joy and humor. He loved the ocean, fishing, sailing, all genres of music, and musicals! A self-proclaimed "snack connoisseur," he had a well-known fondness for coconut cream pie. He also cherished his old pickup trucks, though his creative driving occasionally tested the nerves of his passengers.
In 1987, Kenny and his lifelong friend Mike Mercer opened TKO Boxing Gym at 14th and Market Streets in Louisville. While the gym was short-lived, its impact was lasting-they mentored countless young boxers and hosted professional matches. The gym even welcomed visits from Louisville's own Muhammad Ali, a testament to the respect Kenny earned in the boxing community.
For the past seven years, Kenny was lovingly cared for at the Carl M. Brashear Radcliff Veterans Center, where he was admired for his warmth, humor, strength, and a little bit of mischief!
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Vanderhoff, and his beloved son, Michael Vanderhoff.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 33 years, Paula Vanderhoff. He also leaves behind his children Natasha Vanderhoff, Jude Vanderhoff, Chrissanne Vanderhoff, Missi (David) Oakes, and Tracy (Jay) Higdon; his siblings Dianna (Jim, dec.) Lloyd, Gary (Carol) Vanderhoff, John Vanderhoff, and Peggy (Buddy) Metzger; and his former wife Peggy Vanderhoff; grandchildren Sasha (Justin) Dennison, Scott (Liz) Higdon, and Ivan Vanderhoff; and great-grandchildren Payton, Arya, and Tyson, and countless numbers of nieces and nephews-all of whom carry forward his humor, heart, and spirit.
Kenny will be remembered for his generosity, resilience, and his deep love of family, friends, and country. His legacy will continue to inspire those who were privileged to know him.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home (3800 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218). A service will take place at the same location on Friday, November 7, at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central (2501 N Dixie Blvd, Radcliff, KY 40160).
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in Kenny's honor.