Rodney "Skip" Dean Kinne

Rodney "Skip" Dean Kinne, 90, of Battle Creek, went to be his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 20, 2024, at his home in Battle Creek, Michigan.  

He was born on November 29, 1933, to Clarence and Bertha (Pugh) Kinne in Neeligh, Nebraska. After graduating from Marshall High School, Rodney enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and bravely served during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, Rodney went to work for Corning Glass in Marshall. He worked there many years and served as the president of the local union chapter of the American Flint Glass Workers Union of America. He also worked at Collins and Aikman Automotive Systems in Marshall, retiring in 1995.

Rodney enjoyed fishing and deer hunting on the family farm. He obtained his pilot’s license in 1966 and he flew a Commercial Glider with the Marshall Soaring Club for many years. He continued to be an active pilot, looking forward to taking out the gliders this spring for the summer flying season. He had many hobbies throughout his life including bowling and golfing. He started to play Pickle ball in his 80’s and continued right up until a month ago.

Rodney was also very involved with his church. He joined Christ Lutheran Church in Marshall, Michigan. and was an active member for over 45 years. He served in many different roles throughout the years, teaching Sunday School and serving where needed. 

Rodney remained a bachelor for many years until he met Marlene Kinne at an American Legion dance. They were married at Christ Lutheran Church in 1990 and enjoyed many activities over the next almost 33 years together. They traveled the country, visiting many states to see family, friends and attractions. They enjoyed traveling south to Florida for the winters, as well as Texas and Arizona. Both Rodney and Marlene were avid volunteers with the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Safe Place, Haven of Rest, and the Fredonia Grange, as well as others. Rodney enjoyed taking special treats to the children at the Juvenile Home and Safe Place.

Rodney is survived by his sisters, Bonnie (John) Bidwell and Paddy Pifer, sister-in-law Peggy Kinne, stepdaughters, Mary Murphy, Amy (Kevin) Darscheid, and stepson John (Kristi) Tech; grandchildren, Lora (Ted) Finch, Diane (Jayme) Biljum, Daniel (Rayna) Sommers, Angela Sommers [Sopheaktra (Michael) Meng], Andrew (Kristen) Sommers, Matthew Murphy, Michael (Amy) Bocanegra, John Tech Jr., and Danielle (Jason) Sackett. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren: Alex & Lucas Finch, Allison, Emily, & Jack Biljum, Stacey, Molly, & Hailey Sommers, Ellie & Louis Sopheaktra, Kevin Sommers, Macey Murphy, Matthew & Ashley Tech, Austin Sackett & Logan Sackett. Rodney (Uncle Skip) is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marlene, brothers, Ronald Kinne and Romer “Mickey” Kinne, and brother-in-law Darrell Pifer.

Graveside services will take place on Monday, May 6^th at 4:00 p.m. at the West Eckford Cemetery in Eckford, Michigan with Rev. David Moran officiating. Military honors will be performed. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Safe Place, Haven of Rest, InAsMuch House, or a charity of your choice.