The Story

Kalen Alan Kinne, at the young age of 58 passed away of pancreatic cancer on November 2nd 2015 surrounded by his loved ones in Cortez, Co. Cancer did not take him easily. His resilience was extraordinary and he fought hard. Our hearts and prayers go out to anyone who is battling the heartbreaking disease of cancer. Kalen was born on May 19th 1957 in Perry, Iowa to his father Everett Kinne and is preceeded in death by his mother Patricia Kinne, his grandparents Bert and Millie Kinne and Alan and Hilda Mougin (who he had a very special bond with). He is survived by his son Ryan Alan Kinne, and his daughter Shannon Brooke Kinne, Ryan's wife Jessica, his two grandson's Tristan and Dylan, his six siblings, Vicky Biondi, Terri Luna, Kim Kinne, Tracy Kinne, Juli Rogers, and Cara Mia Rice, along with many nephews and nieces and his girlfriend LaRhonda Crouch. All who loved him beyond words.

Kalen graduated from Woodward Granger High School, Woodward, IA. He married Chris Ellen Van Nieuwal on October 30th 1976 who he had his two children with. They were married for 23 years. Kalen lived in a multiple of locations within the four corners. He was a jack of all trades. There is nothing he couldn't fix. No dish he couldn't cook, no fish he couldn't catch, no game of pool he couldn't win. Anyone who knew Kal couldn't help but love him. He was charismatic, funny, witty, innovative, A.K.A (Macgyver) and full of youth and vigor. His family and friends will always remember him as one of the most unique people you may ever cross paths with in your lifetime. A close friend once described it as this, "It's your world Kal, I'm only visiting."

For those who knew him, life won't be the same without Kalen in it. He was always smiling, always singing a nostalgic song, and simply a light in the world. A breath of fresh air who you always felt comfortable being yourself around. He cared for others and would often take the underdog under his wing. He marched to the beat of his own drum, forged new paths, and his mind worked in a genius way. If we could take a lesson away from him, it would be to always look for the good in someone because you never know the road someone has walked. The struggles or triumph of their life, and although we may not always understand how someone's mind works, we can appreciate the unique gift of purpose that each and everyone of us carry. The purpose to do our best with what life deals us, to love and be loved.

A celebration of Kalen's life is planned for next summer at Lake Powell, his favorite spot. Where fish will be caught, song's will be sung and Budweiser will surely go down. A video of his life is being compiled and will be shown at a local memorial service for him. The time and place will be announced soon.

The family would like to thank all who have shown their support and a special thanks to the Hospice of Montezuma family for their love and excellent care in his last days. If desired, condolences can be sent to P.O Box 1423 E. Main # 200 Cortez, Co 81321.

One thing is for sure. Kal lived life to the fullest and would encourage everyone to be present in the moment of each day. If he was still here, you might hear him singing the following lyrics…

And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine on me until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music,
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom,
Let it be