Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Kenneth "Ken" R. Van Ness, 94, of Sandusky, passed away Friday evening, June 5, 2020 at the Ohio Veteran's Home following a lengthy illness.
Ken was born on June 10, 1925 in Hessville, OH and was the last surviving child of the late Emmett and Elizabeth (Spieldenner) Van Ness.
Ken was a United States Navy WWII veteran, serving in the Pacific Theater. He was employed as a cabinet maker/carpenter after serving in the military. He worked at Rhoda Lumber in Fremont for many years, before moving to Sandusky, where he eventually started his own construction business. Ken served as governor of the Clyde Moose Lodge for many years and was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Dads of American Veterans.
Ken married Maxine Smith on May 30, 1969 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clyde. She preceded him in death on October 29, 1996.
Ken is survived by his children, Barbara Parker and Steven Van Ness, both of Sandusky, Kenda (Tom) Aldrich of Lindsey, Richard (Veronica) Van Ness of Castalia and Kenneth II (Dianne Trout) Van Ness of Sandusky. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren; 9 step grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by son, Tarrance Scott, who passed away on September 4, 1964 and great-great grandson, Kamdyn in 2017. He is also preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Rufty, Alberta Hotz, Betty Nieset, Mildred Wojdyla, Ethel Young; brothers, Earl, James, Orrin, and Roy Van Ness and half brother, Lewis Spieldenner. He was divorced from his first wife, Juanita Mears Van Ness in 1964 and she preceded him in death in 2015.
Private family services will take place on Monday, June 15 at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870. Pastor Wally Gilbert will be presiding. Burial will follow at Meadow Green Memorial Park in Huron.
Those wishing to contribute to Ken's memory may do so to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
