Kenneth Smith

Kenneth Loren Smith, age 83 passed away peacefully at home on April 19, 2018 after a long struggle with COPD. He is now breathing easily in the arms of his Lord and Savior. Ken was born April 25, 1934 to parents Valentine Smith and Ella Ranfranz. He was the ninth child of a family of ten. Ken was a Rochester native, attending school in a small country school and transferring to Trinity Lutheran School. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. He attended Rochester High School and joined the Air Force in 1951 serving until 1954. Ken proudly served his country in Morocco, North Africa. Ken was a "Jack of all trades" working as an ambulance driver in California, construction work, tile layer for Latila Tile Company, tree trimmer for Rochester Park and Recreation, and then found his love as a semi-driver for fourteen years. In 1983, Ken met and married Joyce Krom and they were blessed with thirty-four years of marriage. Wanting to spend more time at home now, Ken gave up trucking. In 1986 Ken began a long career with Rochester School Bus Company. He began this journey as a Zips bus driver and also drove coach evening and weekends. When the company sold to Laidlaw, Ken began driving East Lot Shuttle for Mayo employees. He also had an afternoon school route. Ken loved the students and treasured many thank you notes written by the students for being "the best school bus driver ever!!" He never met a stranger. Ken was a charismatic, kind, generous, fun-loving cowboy with a big heart. Ken appreciated all the comforts of his home and being with family. Holidays were spent with family and every meal ended with Ken shooing the women out of the kitchen and cleaning up after the meals. Ken loved his grandchildren and especially loved to tease them. He attended their events and enjoyed taking them to Valleyfair and would have as much fun as they did. He loved spending time with them on the farm and teaching them to ride horses. He met his friends regularly at Grandma's Kitchen and took much pleasure in the mutual banterings! He treasured time spent with friends and getting together with "The Gang" for potlucks and bonfires. Ken enjoyed dancing, clock making, and doing repairs on his home. He served as a greeter at Autumn Ridge Church until he was longer able to attend services due to his illness. Ken is survived by his wife, Joyce; his three children, Dwayne, Joseph and Kelly Smith; step-children, Barb (Tim) Schroeder, Scott (Lori) Krom, Diane (Jim) Grosso and Kathy (Gary) Johnson; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Vernon Smith; sisters, Marietta Brown and Kathleen Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Joanne and Diana; and a son, Lance; two brothers and four sisters. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in the Timothy Chapel at Autumn Ridge Church (3611 Salem Road SW Rochester, MN). Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN) and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com