Mr. Kenneth Arlen Gere

> Ken was born in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was second son of Homer and Nadine Gere. Lived in home where everyone had a job. He still had fun growing up. His best friend Billy Parks helped him catch snakes and put them in his pocket. That got his mom running after him with a wooden spoon! > > As teen his dad and brother Mel loved working on cars and motorcycles with him. He was always good with motors. He owned a race track and drove cars in his early twenties. > > At 16 he met a beautiful girl named Dottie who was from Arkansas visiting her sister. They feel in love that lasted his whole life. The fun story is he drove to Arkansas with Billy. He picked her up and drove back to Kansas. They pushed the car a lot on way home. If that didn't change Dottie's feelings , nothing would!! > > They got married both 17. Their mothers had to sign for them. They would be so pleased how good their marriage has been, 65 years!! > > A year later they had Dana and two years later had Brian. A family had been formed. > > Ken started in the manufactory at Cessna Aircraft. His gift had been found. Sales! He completed associate in accounting to progress his career and his personal finances. He worked for several manufacturing companies over the years. It caused some moving his family. From Kansas to Illinois to Minnesota to Arkansas to Texas then back to Minnesota. Ken and Dottie loved moving. With every change so did level of work. He got more knowledge and understanding of business. > > Last move to Minnesota he decided no more moving. Dana and Brian were teens then. He wanted a change. He studied commercial real estate. Worked for a company till he knew he could do better on his own. He purchased senior housing and family housing. Started Planned Investments. He put together partnerships for properties. He was the first to start this and became well known for it. He made a lot of money for others. He also founded a non profit company to help others. He was always looking for ways to help others and donated his time and money for good causes. He was involved in commercial real estate the rest of his life. > > Ken and Dottie did a lot of traveling and saw most of the world. They were very active in their church Grace for 50 years. They taught Sunday school, went on mission trips and mentored newly engaged couples. He was also very active with running. He even ran Boston Marathon. So proud. He attended anything his kids or grandkids were involved with. I think Edina West thought he was a coach for football and wrestling! He was always there in the middle of it with Brian. He did same for Dan with baseball and Sarah with basketball. He loved watching great granddaughters in dance. > > Ken and Dottie got their first grandchild January 1981. Ken was never the same. He was euphoric over all of his grandkids and has great granddaughters! He was very active in their lives. He gave a lot of love. Daniel King 1981, Sarah Seals 1983, David King 1987 and Joshua Gere 1998. Great grand daughters Karissa 2008, Kailee 2012 and Amorae 2003. He did vacations with them, had tea parties, played Legos, went to Disney World, shared his love of books with them, watched NASCAR and many times had them over just to spend night. Biggest thing he shared was Jesus! > > To Ken education was very important. When his grandson said why go to college because you did well with out it. He decided in late 50's he was going to get his bachelor degree. He knew so much he could of taught the classes himself. Graduated with honors from Northwestern in Roseville. Another proud moment. > > For the last twenty years he and Dottie spent winter in Naples Florida. They had the routine of taking 2 mile walk every morning, went to lunch then loved sitting on lanai. It was a good life. > > Ken loved Jesus. He had a personal relationship with Him. He knew he > would be in heaven with Him. He tried to live his life by doing what God would want. He shared his faith with many. > > Ken Gere was a noble, loving, very intelligent man. He loved and was loved as a son, husband, father, grandparent, friend and co worker. > Enjoy you time in Heaven Ken Gere. Well done!

Tributes

Mr. Kenneth Arlen Gere

January 16, 2022 - January 16, 2022

Tributes

Mr. Kenneth Arlen Gere

January 16, 2022 - January 16, 2022

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203