Kenneth Charles Rudolph

Kenneth C. Rudolph 91, of Rocky Ford was called to be with the Lord on Monday, September 23, 2019 at the Pioneer Health Care Center in Rocky Ford. He was born on September 17, 1928 in Des Moines, IA to Jacob Herman and Margaret (Bahde) Rudolph.

Being born a child of the Great Depression, he forged a strong work ethic, a principal he remained committed to throughout his life. At the age of 13, he moved to Lakin, KS to work as a field hand on a wheat farm and graduated from Garden City High School in 1947. After graduation, he moved to Karval, CO, where he worked on the family farm. He took on a new role on March 31, 1952, when he married Nancy Miller. Frequently on Saturday nights, the two could be found “cutting a rug” at area dances. As newlyweds, Kenny and Nancy continued to farm and ranch. Over the years, they expanded upon their herd, adding five children and more cattle along the way.

Kenny particularly loved working with his cows. When not tending to chores on the ranch and farm, Kenny stayed busy working at the Sugar Factory/Campaign in Rocky Ford.

In the summer of 1964, he moved his family to Rocky Ford and began his long-haul trucking career, spanning more than 45 years. He was known for his stamina and work ethic, eventually logging well-over 7 million miles. On those rare occasions when he was not driving, his grandchildren enjoyed the twinkle in his eyes, a trip or two to Peggy’s Café and the fact he always had a quarter in his pocket for them.

In 2009, a stroke ended his trucking career. He lived out the remainder of his life at Pioneer Health Care Center. Although it slowed him down, it did not break his spirit. During his stay, he quickly developed friendships, enjoyed many visits from family and especially loved hearing his wife play the piano for the residents on weekly occasions.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Rudolph of the family home; daughters, Janine (Terry) Messersmith of Emporia, KS and Patti Young of Swink, CO; sons, Steve Rudolph of Rocky Ford, CO, Gary Rudolph of Clayton, NM and Robert Rudolph of Rocky Ford, CO; grandchildren, Tommy (Laura) Messersmith of Overland Park, KS; Andrew (Ashton Luden) Messersmith of Knoxville, TN; Amy Messersmith of Roeland Park, KS; Jason (Jenny) Messersmith of Overland Park, KS; Courtney (TJ) McEwen of Bowie, TX; Holli (Quinn) McElwee of Wellington, CO; Heather (Matthew) Klein of Windsor, CO; Brian Young of Rocky Ford, CO and 10 great-grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Gene Manwarren.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to a charity of choice direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.