Kenneth Allan "Ken" Hames

Kenneth "Ken" Allan Hames age 69 of Pine Island, Minnesota passed peacefully at home, with the company of family on Sunday January 18, 2026 after a brief time of illness.

A celebration of life will take place at 10 AM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, Minnesota on Saturday January 31, 2026 with Pastor Jenny Cannon and Pastor Tony Fink celebrating. Time of fellowship with family and luncheon to follow.

Kenneth "Ken" Allan Hames, son of Allan and Carol (Ross) Hames, was born April 11, 1956 in Owatonna, Minnesota. He graduated from Kasson/Mantorville High School in 1974 where he participated and excelled in many sports including basketball, track, and football. He attended Rochester Community College where he completed a degree in mechanical engineering. Following which he served his country in the Army National Guard. He later attended the University of Minnesota to obtain a Project Management Certification. Ken developed his strong work ethic as a youngster delivering newspapers and mowing lawns. Ken worked his way through college by working as a personal care assistant at St. Mary's Hospital. Ken enjoyed participating in and repairing his demolition derby cars, he had the scars to prove it. Following his time with the service, he worked as a civil engineering technician for BRW and Santec where he later became a Project Manager. He was loyal to Santec where he worked for 22 years. One of the most meaningful projects was just before his retirement in which he coordinated the Oronoco Watershed Restoration project. He always enjoyed restoring nature in its most pure form. Ken continued his love for athletics/competition through marathons, triathlons, recreation basketball, softball and golf. His love of sports continued into retirement where he took a job for Pine Island Schools preparing the field for the next Panther victory.

On October 14, 1994, he married Joni Brooks at Beaver Creek Valley State Park in Caledonia, MN. During their 31 years of marriage, they enjoyed many trips together exploring, hiking, biking, kayaking and scuba diving. Ken was a lover of nature and found much peace enjoying the tranquility his cabin had to offer in Hayward, WI. He also had a special place in his heart for his four-legged friends, Molly, Bub and Dooner. Recently they had started training service dogs through Can Do Canine. In his free time, he enjoyed listening and dancing to classic rock bands, being outdoors, repairing and restoring items – including his Crestliner ski boat that vandals had sunk in a shallow bay. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandson Nicholas.

Ken is survived by his wife Joni; daughter, Marisa, son; Justin (Jessica); grandchild Nicholas;

siblings Rhonda Johnson, Judy Twaddle (Ron), Curt Hames (Melissa), and Michelle Hames, also many nieces and nephews, as well as other loving family members and lifelong friend Steve Bjergum. He was proceeded in death by his parents.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Shannon and Dr Ponton, the Palliative Care Team at Olmsted Medical Center of Rochester for their knowledge, compassion, and support. Your caring hearts are a blessing to many.

Although cut flowers are beautiful, consider planting a tree or live plant, or contributing to Can Do Canines (New Hope, Minnesota) in Ken's memory.