On the evening of January 2, 2024, Kenny died of a heart attack while working at his shop in Miles City, MT. He was 66 years old.
Kenny was born on May 16, 1957, in Miles City. He was his mother’s biggest newborn, but her easiest birth. She’d just gotten to the hospital before Kenny was out into the world, the nurses exclaiming over the beautiful baby boy. He was the middle child, and the only son, of June and Pete Minow. He remained close with his sisters and his parents his entire life.
The Minows owned a beautiful place in Powder River County from 1951 to 2013. They lived over an hour and a half from town on roads that regularly turned impassable due to weather, so the Minows depended on each other.
Red hills and pine forests surrounded the family’s wheat fields. Their Red Angus grazed throughout gently rolling land. Kenny said his first memory was of springtime in Beaver Creek. His childhood was filled with helping out in the fields and granary, playing on haystacks with his sisters, and riding bicycles and motorbikes down red dirt roads.
June brought lunches to the fields, and the family picnicked together. The kids loved going on walks with their mom, where they’d pick wildflowers and climb hills to look out over the land. They attended church on Sundays, and Kenny never failed to get grass stains on his dress pants.
From a very early age, Kenny was drawn to two passions that stayed with him his entire life: automobiles and music. When Kenny was a tot, he could already identify the make and models of cars. He got excited when he saw road graders, exclaiming about the “road deedo.” Kenny always loved talking about vehicles with his dad. Later, the pair would restore a 1947 International KB-6 truck, a 1945 Ford 9N tractor, a 1946 Ford 8N tractor, a 1941 Ford 2N tractor, and a 1945 Ford 8N tractor.
Kenny sang before he could talk, and he could play songs after listening to them once or twice. At piano recitals, his teacher would have him play a selected piece, and then let him play a song by ear, which the crowd loved. At Christmas time, Kenny played the piano while his family sang. His dad requested “Red River Valley” and “Crystal Chandelier”. Kenny did a mean rendition of Ray Charles’ “Blue Christmas”, and he’d end the song by playing the piano with both hands and the heel of his foot. His family is very glad to have recently spent Christmas with Kenny, complete with his Ray Charles impression and foot on the piano. It will always be a blue Christmas without him.
For grade school, Kenny attended a one-room schoolhouse with his sisters Terry Lynn and Karen. They occasionally rode horses to school. He got to drive the Model A to school despite Terry Lynn being older.
Kenny was in 4-H for many years. He won trophies for his automotive and garden projects at the Powder River County Fair, and he gained confidence in speaking from his 4-H demonstrations.
The Minow kids got into the ice cream whenever their parents went to town. One time when Pete and June got home, Kenny and Karen were laying on the floor with their legs and arms sticking up, pretending to be bloated cows. Terry Lynn thinks Kenny’s sense of humor got them forgiven for eating all the ice cream.
Kenny graduated from high school in Miles City, before working in the oil fields for a couple of years. He went back to Miles City Community College to study mechanics, and worked for several local shops. In 1987, he opened his own shop, KM Repair, where good friends frequently dropped by for good conversation.
Kenny had no patience for bullies or jerks. He was a lifelong Democrat, a rarity in Eastern Montana, and didn’t shy away from political debates. He was also a voracious reader. His close friend Linda Walker said “Kenny liked just about everything but Danielle Steel.” Some of his favorite authors included C.J. Box, J.A. Jance, and John Grisham.
Kenny had the good fortune to have had several great cats throughout the years, including a pair named Bonnie and Clyde. Although Kenny loved all of his cats with his whole heart, Clyde was his favorite of all. Clyde used to lay on the basement landing to watch Kenny do his laundry. Kenny is undoubtedly surrounded by all of his past cats up in heaven, with Clyde sitting front and center.
For years, Kenny played in a band, Rapid Fire. He traveled the state playing shows and picking up stories he would tell for the rest of his life. Kenny’s adventurous spirit also led to a love of motorcycles, and he traveled to Sturgis with friends at least a dozen times on his Harley Davidson, and to the Milwaukee Motorcycle Rally.
As a mechanic, Kenny took good care of his customers. He kept many an old beater going long past its expiration date. When his niece’s car broke down in South Dakota, he hopped in his tow truck with his dad and made a beeline for Rapid City. His kindness and work ethic have been noted by many who sought help at KM Repair.
In 2003, Kenny’s life changed when he received gastric bypass surgery. He was so grateful to his parents for paying for the surgery, and for the 20 years of health that it brought him. He worked hard to keep the weight off. At Christmas, Kenny remarked that it had been his healthiest year in a very long time. He just felt good. It had also been a very happy year, with a trip down to Arizona to see his sister Karen and the Barrett-Jackson car auction. He spent lots of time with his dear friend Jackie Hunnes. They loved watching NHRA drag racing, and he’d been planning to watch TV with her after work.
Kenny is survived by his parents, Pete and June, and his sisters, Terry Lynn Minow (Brud Smith) and Karen Minow-Tavary. Kenny taught his nieces and nephew how to play poker—Brady Minow Smith, Darby Minow Smith, Kina Tavary (Freddy Figueroa), and Kruz Tavary will go on anteing up, bluffing, and remembering their beloved Uncle Kenny. Kenny had three young great-nephews, Koa, Kyler, and Kaden Figueroa, who clapped along and looked up with wonder at his piano playing at Christmas. He was also survived by his beloved calico cat, Manxi, his Aunt Harriet Minow, and many cousins from the Minow, Abbott, Kiosse, and Russiff families. Friends were like family to Kenny; Kenny was lucky to count many dear ones among his kin. He was especially close with Wade Coulter, whom he talked to every day.
Kenny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas and Dora Minow and Arthur and Nellie Abbott, as well as uncles and aunts John and Wilma Minow, Bill and Lorraine Minow, Jim Minow, Clifford and Merle Abbott, and Charles and Millie Abbott.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Miles City public library or donor’s choice.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 27, at 1:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 26, 2024
With Family Receiving Friends From 4:00-6:00 pm
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Saturday January 27, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Saturday January 27, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Interment
Saturday January 27, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 26, 2024
With Family Receiving Friends From 4:00-6:00 pm
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Saturday January 27, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Saturday January 27, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Interment
Saturday January 27, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
James Arneson says
To say I am shocked is an understatement. Kenny was my neighbor for years. I worked on the ranch next to his when I was just 15 years old. Kenny was the mechanic that worked on my 1973 Chevy 3/4 truck with a 350. He was an amazing Chevy mechanic. I find myself at loss of words. I hadn’t seen Kenny in a year, last time were were both in Walmart getting groceries.To all of Kenny’s family and friends my heart goes out to you for this tragic loss. Rest in peace my friend.
Jim Jones says
So long old friend. We sure had some good times together. My condolences to Pete, June and Ken’s family
Dale and Linda Marcil says
Sorry to he about Ken passing, always enjoyed visiting with him about beautiful bikes and fast women. he will be missed by me and whole lot of other folks. Rest In peace buddy.
Darryl Moore says
Iam shocked to hear of Kenny passing we go way back to Sunday school days at trinity Lutheran church Rip
Teri Muggli says
Stunned , shocked , I really haven’t processed it yet. Kenny was one of the first people I met when I moved here when I was 14. I’ve always went to Kenny when ever I had car trouble. He could just listen to it and could tell me what was wrong. He was so funny , he could make up his own lyrics to songs . And they were so funny. The band just won’t be the same without his sense of humor and without his key board. Rest n peace my dear ol’friend until we meet again.
Linda Walker says
I don’t know where to begin I am so sad. So many miles. So many laughs. So much love. There is a hole in all our hearts without you. Pete, June and Sisters my heart goes out to you.
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy. My old vehicles send sympathy too.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kenny! He was one of a kind, with such a big heart and easy smile. Sending prayers for everyone who knew and loved Kenny,
Cathy Pyle says
Kenny is one of the sweetest man we know❤️ You will be deeply missed!
With much love, Don & Cathy Pyle
Sandy and Ric Rabe says
Pete, June and families, Ric and I are saddened to hear about Kenny. Our prayer is that wonderful memories will ease the pain of your loss. God Bless
DON CRANDALL says
Kenny turned into one of the best friends I’ve ever had. We always helped each other whenever we could. Gonna miss him a lot. My condolences to his family and all his friends.
Kelli Rooney says
I was sad to hear of Kenny’s passing. I knew him my whole life as Minow’s were our closest neighbors on Beaver Creek. One of my fondest memories of Ken is when he’d drive up the road in his Model T to pick up my sister and me for school and then he’d make us ride in the trunk. Kenny always had a smile and a kind word. Many thoughts and prayers to Pete, June, Terry, Karen and the rest of the family and friends.
Jazz & Ann Haley says
Sure was shocked to hear this news. Gonna miss you old buddy! R.I.P. Kenny.
Steve price says
RIP my old friend and comrade in arms, so many good times to remember all. Be digging them up forever. We will all play one more when we meet again….
Tab Fleming says
I’m so sad to hear about Kenny’s passing. He was always kind and funnier than heck. Always grateful for the memories and the music he and the band played at our wedding reception. Great times . Thanks for being part of them. See you on the other side.
Mary Lou Merchant says
So sorry for your loss.I always remember him with a smile on his face and always said hi. He will me greatly missed
Doug Leidholt says
I FIRST MEET KENNY WHEN I STARTED GOING DOWN TO AUTO DISMANTLERS IN HIGH SCHOOL,AS KISON AND HOUSTON WRE GRUFF AND INTIMIDATING KENNY WAS LOW KEYED AND HAD THAT BIG SMILE,HE WAS ALWAYS GOOD YO DEAL WITH. YEARS LATER WHEN I BOUGHT AUTO DIMANTLERS HE WAS ONE OF MY OLDEST COSTOMERS,AND HELPED ME COUTLESS TIMES WHEN I GOT STUCK ON A MECHANICAL PROBLEM, OR A QUESTION ABOUT CHEVY,S. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED
KD says
Kenny will be missed as he will be joining a long list of others that preceded. He was a good friend to so many, sorry for the loss to family and friends. Lots of GOOD memories.
Wayne williams says
You could not ask for a better friend and he had a lot of them R.I.P
Jan ronning says
Kenny was a good man of many talents. He was a friend to my brother Curt and their “bachelor pad”, was legendary ! Kenny was a patient and influential mentor to my son, helping him rebuild an old Harley. When they cranked it over for the first time, they sent a video and I got to hear it running. Kenny was one of a kind and will be missed by so many. My deepest sympathy to Kenny’s family. You raised an awesome human!
Preston Willson says
I just can’t come to grips with my friend and band partner gone! Ken was so talented in so many ways and such a good friend it just doesn’t seem possible. rest in peace buddy
Jim D says
God’s speed brother
Burl Mulkey says
rest in peace kenny
Lori Niles says
Sorry to hear of ‘Minnow’s’ passing…
Always a sweetheart… God speed
Love n hugs on your next journey…
Dick Thulesen says
Sure had some good times Bikes Beer Barneys all the memories you will be missed so long Kenny Rest In Peace
Donnie Hartgrave says
Sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing he was a good Mechanic
Mark Block says
Sad news, I don’t think I ever saw Kenny in a bad mood he will be missed.
Travis Loy says
Kenny passed away doing what he loved. Kenny was such a great mechanic and he was reasonable such a good man R.I.P. my friend your probably still mechanicing in the other life
Curt and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss. Kate and I are in Texas so we won’t make it to his service. Still remember Kenny riding to town with us for school. He and I sat in the back seat and told each other jokes and giggled all the way to town. We had lots of fun riding motorcycles together, each trying to out do the other. RIP neighbor….
Ervin and Janice Laib says
Kenny’s Family and friends, Kenny was a great friend and always ready to give a helping hand I will miss our visits he was a great neighbor and friend RIP Kenny till we meet again 🙏🙏’s for all of you
Stu Hillis says
RIP Kenny I always enjoyed visiting with you over the years. Sad to see you go. You will be missed by many.
Deb Jerrel says
What a nice friendly man he was, not to mention a great mechanic. Always willing to help anybody with anything. Ride on Kenny😪💔
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
So sorry to hear this, Kenny was a wonderful person. He will be missed
Tammy Schoenbeck says
So sorry for you loss, you are in my thoughts & prayers
Joe Wheeler says
Joe Wheeler from PGH Pa Condolences to Kenny s family I met him some yrs.back whenever I was in town he put me up made me feel at home you couldn’t ask for a better friend. I’m proud to call Kenny my friend and brother you will be sadly missed.
Ride on face in the sun and the wind in your hair .till we meet again .Your friend Joe
Laurie Janssen Claypool says
To Kenny’s family,
We are so very sad to hear this news.
He was our mechanic and friend, and did an amazing job!
He will be remembered always .
Our thoughts and prayers to you all!
Laurie and Duane Claypool
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Minnow family you are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Ken was an individual who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in his company. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories I had with Ken. Ken God Bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see you leave us. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
William O Holton says
Kenny befriended me when I needed a friend, so long ol’ pard, God bless and keep you, R.I.P.
Sharyn Wallace says
So so sorry, much to young. You are in my heart and prayers.
Allen Kelm says
Was saddened when we heard about Kenny’s passing. There weren’t many things Kenny couldn’t fix and any person he didn’t have a story to tell. Many good memories of Barney’s and the shop. Prayers and thoughts of healing go out to Pete, June, sisters and family. Sharkie, may you rest in peace. Until we meet again.
Steve and Robin Goetz says
We are saddened by the passing of Kenny. He was a good friend. Kenny and Steve enjoyed many years going to Sturgis Rally, making trips to Milwaukee, and visiting about and working on cars and motorcycles. He will be missed. God bless his family.
Sheila Kale says
I just don’t have any words, I can’t believe it. Rest in peace Kenny.
Lyle and Darcy Bennett says
So sorry to hear of Minnows passing.
Lowell Johnston says
The last thing A man does is the last thing a man wants to do The older I get the less friends I have Rest in eternal peace Put the golden piano on the front porch and play All Night God bless Mr & Mrs Minow and family. Some of the best people I ever had the privilege to meet
Suzanne South says
I am so saddened by Kenny’s Passing. He was one of my favorite people. I will always cherish the memories. My sincere condolences To Kenny’s family And his many friends. We will all miss you.
Rick Kransky says
I’m so sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing. I always respected him greatly, he always said it like he saw it and was . He was always willing to lend a hand and offer good advice whenever it was needed. If he didn’t know he would look it up on the internet . We will all miss him and his wealth of knowledge! Rest in peace…
R.C. says
FULL THROTTLE ! WELL TUNED! RIDE ON!
R I P SKINNY MINNOW
Bert and Helen Woods says
It was heartbreaking to hear of Kenny’s passing. Kenny truly had a multitude of friends and is going to be missed by everyone of them. He left us way to soon. May all the wonderful memories that he leaves us with help to comfort all of us in this hard time.
Sheila Keniv Rickett says
So sorry for your loss
Laurie Glover says
This is a beautiful life tribute to your son, brother, and uncle. Our condolences to all of you.
From the Glovers
Lori pahnish mccoy says
When I first met him with Krissy I was terrified by his size and strength. After seeing him teasing the heck out of her and them laughing I could see the big teddy bear side. I was no longer terrified. He was a wonderful kind man that fiercely protected the people he loved. It was an honor to know him. God bless all who knew him and lord heal the ones hurting. Amen
Loren Williams says
Whoever wrote Kenny’s obituary deserves warm thanks. What a loving tribute!
Kenny was not yet in school then but I and my late wife Jeanie were honored to be part of the Beaver Creek community for six months in 1963 as the teacher at the one-room schoolhouse.
Savoring good memories of the Minow family and their nearby neighbors. My warm regards to all of you.
—San Antonio, Texas
Lynn Holland says
Minnow Family, and best friends Jackie and Jim
Sorry to hear this about our neighbor on as Kenney called it. “Geezer Lane”.
He was a good friend and done some work for me on a couple of Harleys.
Him and Grizz and Chrissy are probably having a good time right now.
He will be will missed. RIP Kenny
Sandy and Lynn down the street “Geezer Lane”.
Sanna Porte says
Pete & June, Terry Lynn & Karen and the rest of the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ride on, sing on, play on, Kenny. I didn’t know you, but I can tell from your family’s love and from all these tributes that you brought much light and love and kindness into this world.
Bonnie Russiff Schott says
To Pete & June, Terry Lynn and family and Karen and family – there are no words. Gone too soon. Ditto to what someone else said – this tribute was so well written – thank you. May God bless you and keep you. And may you hold especially close your memories because those memories become a treasure you can always keep. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred Anderson says
I was very sad to hear of Kenny’s passing. I have some great memories of Ken when he was a student of mine at MCC and also when he worked at my shop along with John Donnelly. He was a very hard worker who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend his memorial service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Nadine Whitehead says
Hadn’t seen Kenny since highschool, so sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to his entire family and friends.