Kenneth LaVern Von Ruden, 72, of New Albin, Iowa, passed away at his home on Sept. 18, 2024, from complications of multiple myeloma.
He was born to LaVern and Irma (Geier) Von Ruden on Oct. 21, 1951. He grew up in Kinney Valley and attended South Ridge School and Wilton Elementary. He was a graduate of Royall High School in 1969.
He attended college in Stevens Point, Wis., for wildlife management. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources in La Crosse WI for 37 years. Conservation of the land and water was extremely important to him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was able to remember every detail of those hunts and days spent on the water. He loved to talk, laugh, and tell stories.
He enjoyed high school sports. You could find him at many of the Kee High sporting events, cheering on the students.
He had lifelong friends who were important to him, and he made his friends a priority. He gave most of his friends and family nicknames.
His greatest love was his family. He is survived by one son, Brandon Von Ruden, and his daughter Ariella; one daughter, Tiana (Skipper) Sykes, and their son Takoda; and their mother, Tonja Kelly.
He also had a special partner, Debra Stantic, which includes her children, Olivia Barnes (Price), Julia Stanic and Heather Cole.
He also is survived by his sisters, Karen Wallace (Stan), Kathleen Harder (Russell) and Jana Muehlenkamp (Jon); and Gary Von Ruden (Cathy), a special cousin who was like a brother.
His nephews, nieces and Debra’s grandchildren had a special place in his heart, and he loved them dearly.
His wishes were for a private family service, which was held Sept. 23, 2024, in Iowa.
He will be missed by those who loved him and will be remembered always. Rest in peace, Bubba.
