John Kenyon Obituary
Dr. John Warren Kenyon, 91 yrs, passed peacefully, January 11, 2026. John was a long-time resident of White Bear Lake, MN, and was deeply devoted to his family and community. Born in Mpls to Donald and Dorothy Kenyon in 1934, his grandfather being the founder of Kondon's Manufacturing.
John attended the University of Minnesota, graduating from Dental School in 1958. He went on to practice at Kenyon, Wright, and Kron (Lakeshore Family Dentistry) in White Bear Lake until his retirement in 1999. He was an A.D.A Tripartite Member for 68 yrs.
John was known for his warmth and presence at White Bear Lake events as a long-standing member of White Bear Lake Rotary Club. He was a proud member of the International Service committee and the Curling Fellowship Team. For his support of the mission and programs of Rotary he became a Paul Harris Fellow, which represents commitment to the ideals of "service above self".
An avid skier, John reveled in the trips with friends in the Cheap Ski Club, with family in Michigan's UP and out West, even teaching his grandchildren to ski. His love of sailing was ever present, he was a beloved member of the White Bear Lake sailing community, and passed that love onto his children. He also enjoyed his Sherlock Holmes group.
He was a positive and loving force for all of his family and friends, and for many years a beautiful caretaker of his wife, Sue. We will remember him for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is survived by his children; Dave Kenyon(Nancy), Sue Mellstrom(Steve), Jeanna Warren(Steve), Denise McCormick(Peter), and Peter Kenyon (Stacy).He was incredibly proud of his 10 grandchildren, including Kori, Krista, Sarah, Emily, Ryan, Allison, Katie, Benjamin, PJ, and Julia.His legacy continues through 9 great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Susan "Sue" Jean (Ward)Kenyon in 2022, his first wife, Joanne (Hill) Kenyon, son Paul Warren Kenyon, parents Donald Kenyon and his wife Eva (Reichelderfer) Kenyon, his mother Dorothy (Dunnell) Kenyon, and his brother Thomas N. Kenyon of Florida.
A celebration of this wonderful life will be held at 2pm, Saturday, January 31, 2026. Visitation with family beginning at 1pm. White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, White Bear Lake, MN. Ice Cream Social to follow the service. Please consider a memorial donation in John's honor to: White Bear Lake Rotary Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 10809, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for John Kenyon
Make a Donation
in John Kenyon's name
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Kenyon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
