Kenneth Eugene Overocker, 94
Published 7:00 am Saturday, November 2, 2019
Kenneth Eugene Overocker, 94, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at his home with his daughter Connie at his side.
Kenneth Eugene Overocker, 94
Kenny was born April 6, 1925, in Hayti, South Dakota, to William and Anna (Reppe) Overocker. He was the third of seven children. After moving to Minnesota, he met and married the love of his life, Ceta Durben, on June 18, 1949. During their 70-year marriage, they built three new homes and raised an active family of five.
Kenny enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during World War II. On May 15, 2010, he had the privilege of participating in one of the many Honor Flights transporting World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, they toured the World War II Memorial that had just been opened to the public. All but a few of the veterans on the fight were in wheelchairs, and even though Kenny was in his 80s, he volunteered to assist with transport for one of his fellow comrades. He was so excited and honored to be part of the group.
His career spanned 37 years working at Hormel; he worked in several departments throughout the plant prior to his retirement. In his spare time, he loved hunting and fishing. In addition, he always loved finding a good deal, whether it was at a garage sale or on his favorite radio program, “Time to Trade.” As often as possible, he enjoyed traveling to the Preston, Minnesota, area to purchase produce, flowers, and other great finds from numerous Amish families that he and Ceta met over the years. One of Kenny’s greatest gifts was the ability to figure out how to fix anything.
He was always ready and willing to not only fix anything around the house, but would help anyone in need. He and Ceta loved big band music and dancing the night away well into their 80s; he swore it is what kept them young. He lived life to the fullest and was kind, warm-hearted and always had a sparkle in his eye. But his greatest joy was sitting on the back porch with Ceta overlooking the beautiful backyard and garden they had created together.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ceta; his parents; and siblings, Jeanette, Gene, Arlene, Warren and Dianne. Kenny is survived by his children, Connie (Roger) Bass, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Patricia Buck, Minneapolis, Randy (Luan) Overocker, Austin, LuAnn Heald, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and Diane (Peter) King, Greensboro, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Tom (Justine) Bass, Sarah Srsen, Paul (Erin) Overocker, Lauren (Chris) Molden and Kate (Sam) Moore; seven great-grandchildren, Brody, Kade, Kale, Tayylor, Olivia, Carson and Cooper; sister, Judy Boyenga; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at Clasen Jordan Mortuary. Interment with military honors will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston.