John Kenny

John Thomas (Tom) Kenny, of Whitefish, passed away Jan. 28, 2008, while wintering in Mesa, Ariz.

He was born in Early, Iowa, on Jan. 17, 1922, to Thomas and Ruth Kenny. He graduated from Akron High School and attended Morningside College.

Tom married Bonnie Philips on Feb. 22, 1942, and they were soon to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary.

After their marriage, they began a farming and livestock operation in northwest Iowa. During this time, Tom served on the Iowa State Soil Conservation Board, as he had such a passion for conserving the farmland. He was always a teacher to his children and helped several young men begin farming.

Tom was a member of the Masons and rode with the Shriner’s White Horse Mounted Patrol. He loved flying his airplane, Alaskan salmon and halibut fishing, hunting and pursuing new adventures like scuba diving, snow skiing and traveling in his motor home, to name a few.

One of his adventures brought him to Montana, where he and Bonnie eventually relocated. They purchased land where Tom continued his love of farming and developing his land along Whitefish River.

Tom was a “rock” for his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He recently had mentioned to his family how proud and blessed he was to have such a wonderful family and close friends. Tom’s spirit and faith in the Lord was evident in his daily living. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert and brother-in-law Andy Cornelius.

Survivors include his wife Bonnie; daughters Judy Kay Togiai, of Kennewick, Wash., and Kathleen Rea and husband Dennis, of Whitefish; foster son James (Schuler) Kenny and wife Diana, of Akron, Ind.; sisters Millie Hertzberg and husband Bob, Rosemary Karr and husband Calvin, and Ellen Cornelius; grandchildren John and Justin Togiai, Taylor Rea, Mike, Matt and Mark Kenny; seven great grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish on July 20, 2008, with Pastor John Bent officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the North Valley Hospital Foundation, 1600 Hospital Way, Whitefish MT 59937 or Christ Lutheran Church, in Whitefish.