John Thomas 'Tom' Kenny, 86

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

Tom was born in Early, Iowa, 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 farm land. He was always a "teacher" to his children and helped several young men begin farming. One of these young men was Grayling Willer, who still operates his farm in Iowa.

He 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.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; two daughters, Judy Kay Togiai of Kennewick, Wash., grandsons, John and Justin Togiai, Kathleen Rea and husband, Dennis, of Whitefish, grandson, Taylor Rea; and foster son, James (Schueller) Kenny and wife, Diana, of Akron; grandsons, Mike and Lynn, Matt and Bobby Jo, and Mark and Melissa Kenny; and seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Millie and Bob Herzberg, Rosemary and Calvin Karr, and Ellen Cornelius. And many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Tom was a "rock" for his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Tom 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 were evident in his daily living. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

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

A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, July 20, 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.