September 23, 1948 – August 28, 2024

Donald Lee Kennen, age 76, of Silverthorne, CO, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes August 28, 2024, in his recliner facing the mountains. He was born in Rush City, Minnesota on September 23, 1948, the son of Willard and Lucille (Kaste) Kennen.
Don was a graduate of Rush City High School and attended the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus, studying animal science.
He served in the United States Army from January of 1969 to November of 1970, as a Platoon Sergeant with the infantry in both Vietnam and Cambodia. He was proud of serving his country and enjoyed sharing his experiences during school visits each year on Veterans Day.
Don raised hogs on his farm south of Rush City for many years along with operating a feed mill in Harris. He quit farming at age 55 and moved to Silverthorne, Colorado where he could ski the Rockies. He was an enthusiastic skier, even after two knee replacements. He was also an avid fisherman, arranging annual fishing trips to Canada with two brothers and a nephew.
Don was a hard worker, sort of a curmudgeon, and seldom admitted that he might be wrong. But he had a big heart and was always willing to help out anyone in trouble. He loved to talk and maintained relationships with family and friends through the years via frequent and lengthy phone conversations.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Lucille (Kaste) Kennen. He is survived by his three brothers, Ray (Charlotte) of Rush City, Dale (Vernita) of Roseville, and Wayne (Jacqueline) of Champaign, IL; four nieces, and three nephews; along with other relatives and many good friends in Minnesota, Colorado, and beyond.
A gathering in celebration of Don’s life will be held 11:00 AM Friday (9/27/24) at the Olson Funeral Chapel, 115 West Fourth Street, Rush City. A visitation time is planned for the hour prior to the service and a lunch will follow. Don will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota October 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM.
A Celebration of Life for Don will be held from 4pm to 6pm on Saturday October 12, 2024 at the Silverthorne Elks Lodge.
Memorials may be designated to a veterans’ organizations or to donors’ choice.