Kenneth "Ken" Charles Kinney

Kenneth “Ken” Charles Kinney, age 79, of Scandia, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on November 29, 2025, due to heart failure.

A beloved husband, father, and friend to many, Ken was a boilermaker by trade, a voracious reader of world history, and someone who loved sharing the many fascinating facts he collected over the years. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and treasured the trips he took with his dad and friends to Wyoming to hunt antelope. Deeply committed to gun safety, Ken became a gun safety instructor and taught countless children the proper and respectful use of firearms.

Ken had a kind heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. He loved to talk, tell stories, and engage in lively debates. He enjoyed nature and created many wonderful memories on vacation trips with family and good friends.

Ken was born on February 21, 1946, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Milo and Leona (White) Kinney, the youngest of three children. He attended Guardian Angel School in Hastings, where he also served as an altar boy, and graduated from Hastings High School in 1964. He later earned a degree from a trade school in Chicago.

On December 26, 1974, Ken married Laura (Wood) at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Hastings. Together they raised two loving children, Robin and Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen; brothers-in-law, Don Brinkhaus and Terry Merit; and his beloved son, Christopher.

Ken is survived by his wife, Laura; daughter, Robin (Erica); sister, Karyl (KC); and many relatives and dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 PM, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN. Family will be greeting friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.