Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Kenyon, Rodney Clark January 2, 2021
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Nan Wheaton wheaton1624@yahoo.com February 14, 2022, 11:21 am

Hastings Reminder, Sat. Jan. 9, 2021


Rodney Clark Kenyon, age 87, of Eagan, MN, formerly of Middleville, MI passed 
away in the early morning hours of January 2, 2021 at the Minnesota Veterans 
Home of natural causes. He was loved by many and reciprocated that love in all 
that he met. 

Rod was born on July 27, 1933 to Arthur and Angeline (Williams) Kenyon in 
Middleville at the family homestead. Growing up in the Great Depression he soon 
realized a little meant a lot, with three older siblings. He graduated from 
Thornapple Kellogg School in 1951 and on July 15, 1952 he enlisted in the Navy. 
During leave from boot camp on October 11, 1952 he married his school sweetheart 
from second grade Carol Schenkel, sharing 63 years of marriage together. His 
naval career during the Korean War embodied a radioman to an Admiral, thus being 
assigned to 22 ships in 21 months, honorably discharged on May 7, 1954 as a 
National Defense Service Medal recipient. 

He returned from his service with the Navy to work at the family business, 
Central Garage in Middleville, with his father Art and brothers Bob and Bill. In 
1960 he started Central Auto Parts (NAPA) growing the business to four locations 
in Middleville, Hastings, Caledonia and Lake Odessa. He celebrated his 
retirement from the automotive business in 1998. 

Rodney was a lifetime member of Lions Club International, serving in 
Middleville, MI and Eagan, MN. In the former club, he was a charter member in 
1955, proud of his accomplishments of establishing Middleville Lions Spring and 
Sesquicentennial Parks, and playing Santa Claus for over 20 years in the annual 
Christmas parade. 

Rod loved a parade, having organized many including the 1984 Middleville 
Sesquicentennial parade, lasting almost four hours. He was also a lifetime 
member of American Legion Posts 305 (Caledonia MI) and 1776 (Apple Valley MN).

 In 2012 Rod and Carol moved to Minnesota to be closer to the VA Healthcare 
facilities and family. 

Rodney is survived by his children, Craig (Kathy) Kenyon, Thomas (Meg) Kenyon, 
Christine (Charles) Schram; grandchildren Brett (Nichol) Bremer, Kelly (Patrick) 
Lewis, Kirby (Josh) Weeber, Shelby Kenyon, Cortney (Matt) Xiong, Cody Schram, 
Claire and Carly Kenyon, Lisa (Dan) Cooper, Kelly (Dave) Cichon, 15 great 
grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law, Neva Kenyon. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; siblings, Charlotte 
(Rodney) Finkbeiner, Robert (Donna) Kenyon, William Kenyon; brothers-in-law, 
William (Jean) and Fred (Sandy) Schenkel. 

A celebration of life service is planned for late summer or early fall 2021, 
pending public health guidance. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Middleville Lions Club, P.O. Box 1, 
Middleville, MI 49333. 

Rodney always loved to tell a great story, to honor his legacy, please visit 
www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share your favorite memory of Rodney.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/k/kenyon42450nob.txt

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