Kenneth Lee Anderson, 78, Piedmont, SD, passed away Wednesday January 11, 2024 at Fort Meade VA Medical Center, Ft. Meade, SD.
Kenny was born to Jim and Esther Anderson on January 30, 1945. He grew up around Eagle Butte, SD farming with his family. He attended Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School and joined the Army in February of 1965. He was stationed at Ft. Gordon, GA, where Kenny was trained as a radio operator. After completing his telecommunications training, Kenny was stationed in Germany. Upon returning from the service in 1968, Kenny would find his calling traveling the country driving a semi. While working in Memphis, TN, Kenny would meet the love of his life, and lifelong partner Geneann, and they were married in 1972. Kenny and Geneann would start a family back in Eagle Butte, with son Andy, and daughter Jennifer being born. While in Eagle Butte, Kenny would spend his summers working the land around Parade, and Dupree, as well as helping his brother-in-law and nephews farming. When winter arrived and harvest was done Kenny would hit the road, as an owner operator. Kenny would drive millions of miles, for companies such as Dakota Express, East/West Motor Express, and finally finishing his career hauling cement from Rapid City to North Dakota. Kenny took great pride in his trucks and always drove the finest semis from International, Peterbilt, and Kenworth. Upon “retirement” Kenny chose to relax, by working. Whether it was going back to Eagle Butte and Ridgeview to farm with Vernie, Grant, and VL or working on his lawnmower. He tried to stay busy all the time. The only real retirement that Kenny enjoyed was sitting in the garage listening to the radio.
Kenny also took great pride in being a father, a husband, and a grandfather. He would always take Andy with him trucking whenever he could, and he would always try to make Jennifer’s rodeos. He was adamant on giving his kids the world, and everything that he did not have growing up. Christmas was always a special time, as Kenny and Geneann would stay up for hours at night to make sure the kids and grandkids had the best Christmas’. Kenny relished his role of “Papa” to his granddaughter Kennedy, and his two grandsons Wyatt, and Payton. Any chance he got he would spend time with his grandkids. The most important thing to Kenny was his family. He loved his wife, kids and grandkids like nothing else. His sisters and brother, and all his nieces and nephews were priorities for him as well, Kenny loved spending time with each and every one. His family will miss him greatly and are happy that he can rest. Wherever he was he would put a smile on everyone’s face and always made sure that everyone was taken care of.
Kenny is survived by his wife of 51 years, Geneann; Son, Andy (Melody) Casa Grande, AZ; daughter, Jennifer Gaskins (Bill) Miles City, MT; Sisters, Joanne (Avin) Martin, Joyce Peterson; Grandchildren, Kennedy (Jace) Tanner, Chandler, AZ, Wyatt Gaskins, Stephenville, TX, Payton Gaskins Clarendon, TX; and Godson, Ryan Martin, Aberdeen, SD. Numerous nieces and nephews who will greatly miss Uncle Kenny.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Esther; In-Laws, Henry and Gene Reynolds; Brother, Leonard and Muriel Anderson; Sisters, Maxine and Kelly Bongard, Norma and Lester Hertel, and Beverly and Wes Steele; and Brother-in-Law, Buddy Reynolds.
Services and Interment will take place with honors at Black Hills National Cemetery. The family asks that you join them to celebrate his life with them. The family would also like to thank Dr. Paoli, Dr. Fisher, and the Nurses and staff that took such great care of Kenny at Community Living E at Ft. Meade.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
