Vince McKenney

November 23, 1928 - October 31, 2020

Visitation: Visitation, without family present, will be Wednesday, November 4 from 5-7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.

Service: Private family funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:00 a.m..

Service: Livestream link

   Vincent John McKenney, age 91, died from Covid-19 complications, Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society Canton. His goal was to become the oldest living McKenney.  He attained this by out living his Grandpa Herbert McKenney by one day to age of 91 years, 11 months and 8 days of age.  Visitation, without family present, will be Wednesday, November 4 from 5-7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.  Private family funeral services will be held on Thursday.

            Vince was born on November 23, 1928 in Iowa in a farmhouse northeast of Fairview. He attended Sioux County Country School in Iowa.  He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953.    He was awarded the Korean War Service Medal by Korea in June of 2000.   He married Gladys Braaten on September 23, 1955 in Canton, SD.  The couple made their home in Canton.   In 1962 he proudly built their “Forever Home” and construction shop on the edge of Canton.

            After learning carpentry with Neil Borsma Construction, he started his own construction business, McKenney Construction, in 1958 and ran it for 50+ years. He built numerous homes within a 50-mile radius of Canton along with many other projects.  Some of the more notable were the Canton Bowling Alley, several Pizza Huts, Dairy Queen, additions on numerous churches, and the restoration of Kennedy Mansion.   He worked jointly with McEntee Construction on many projects.  He semi-retired in 1991 but continued to oversee the business.

            Vince enjoyed being very active in his community in many capacities.   He was a member of the Lions Club for 40 years, a volunteer fireman for 15 years, a Canton City Commissioner for 5 years, served on the Canton Development Board, was a lifetime member of the VFW, and made an unsuccessful run for Canton Mayor.  He received a Distinguished Service Award for Courageous Service from the Canton Chamber of Commerce for helping rescue 2 people from a Ferris Wheel accident in Canton on August 22, 1986.  He enjoyed going on crow hunts, pheasant and deer hunting, fishing with his daughter and son-in-law, and coffee with the guys.

         He is survived by his children, Douglas (Sherry) McKenney, Canton, SD, Linda (Robert) Herman, Canton, SD,  Rodney McKenney, Canton, SD, and Laura Tommeraasen, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Ryan McKenney, Evan McKenney (Sammi Hotzler), Stephanie (Devon) Johnson, and Amanda (Josh) Smith;  step-grandsons, Robert (Mary) & family, Jared & family, and Kurt Tommeraasen; great-grandchildren, Noah Johnson and Lydia, Mya and Ava Smith; brother, Robert McKenney (Viola), Rock Rapids, IA; sister, Irene (Don) Oaks, Billings, MT; along with numerous extended family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 60 years, Gladys; son-in-law, James Tommeraasen; brothers, Lawrence, Leonard, Roy, Ralph; and sisters Marilyn and Evelyn.

 

 

Leave a Reply to Tina Rollings Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published.

16 messages have been left

  1. Pam & Dan Alexander on November 2, 2020 said:

    Our sympathy to all. He will be missed.
    God’s blessings to all your families.

  2. Karen Ralfs on November 2, 2020 said:

    So sorry for your loss. He was always so friendly to my parents at the home. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to all of your family during this difficult time.

  3. Kurt Tommeraasen on November 2, 2020 said:

    I have wonderful memories of Vince. He was awesome to be around with. He will be missed.

  4. Jean Fossum on November 3, 2020 said:

    My sympathies to the family. I enjoyed visiting with Vince and loved his witty personality. My dad will miss him as well. God bless!

  5. Darcie Huppert (Oaks) on November 3, 2020 said:

    Doug, Linda, Rod, and Laura:
    We are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Vincent will be missed by all. He was a great craftsman, and I remember how I always admired his handywork when we come to visit from Montana. He was always a gentle, quiet soul. Here’s a little poem that reminded me of you and your families in this time of sorrow.

    Grief never ends, but it changes.
    It’s a passage, not a place to stay.
    Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith…
    It’s the price of LOVE.

    Love and prayers to each of you and your families in this time of grieving. We love you.

    Darcie Huppert (Oaks) and family

  6. Tina Rollings on November 3, 2020 said:

    So sorry for your loss. I got to know Vince working at HH as a Med. Aide. He was so sweet and kind to me. God Bless your family Prayers for all of you.

  7. Bob Van Zee on November 3, 2020 said:

    Sympathies to the family. You are in my prayers and thoughts.

  8. Jon Thorburn on November 4, 2020 said:

    Vince was a very wonderful person.. Many good remembrances of him. May the Love and Peace of the Lord be with you all now and always.

  9. Troy McKenney on November 5, 2020 said:

    Doug, Linda, Laura, Rod:
    Sorry for the loss. Many good memories remain. He is now enjoying stories with Jesus and Herbert!
    Grace and peace…
    Troy, Kim and family

  10. Rod Rhead on November 5, 2020 said:

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Vince. He was a very good neighbor and enjoyed talking to him. He will be missed by many in our community. God Bless.

  11. Carol & Richard Miedema on November 5, 2020 said:

    So sorry for your loss.

  12. Joann Schuler (was Neunsinger) on November 6, 2020 said:

    So sorry for your loss. Vince and Gladys were our neighbors down the road when we lived in Canton. Wonderful family.
    Keeping you in our prayers.

  13. Craig & Faye Seiders on November 6, 2020 said:

    Linda and all of the McKenney family and friends, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Craig & Faye

  14. Cornie & Gert Folkerts on November 6, 2020 said:

    Remembering Vince, and his treasured friendship. He was a neighbor & went to the same country school as Cornie, and were good friends the rest of their lives. Then, his family became wonderful friends as well. We send our sympathy to all of you in the loss of your Dad/Grandpa. He was a very special guy !!!

  15. Marg Warnock on November 6, 2020 said:

    Linda and family,

    So sorry to hear that your dad passed away and from covid complications. Darn covid. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I’m sure as you reminisce and recall so many good times you had together, it will help ease your minds and hearts and bring smiles to your faces. Love is forever.

    Marg Warnock

  16. Kathy Keiser on November 11, 2020 said:

    Rod and family
    My condolences and prayers for you and your families on the passing of your loved one!! May he RIP!!