Kenneth Van Dover

Kenneth “Ken” Van Dover, 90, of Aberdeen, SD (formerly Westport, SD), passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Westport, with Father Jordan Samson officiating.

Burial will follow Mass at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Westport.

Fellowship and luncheon will be held at the parish hall following burial.

Visitation will be at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, Aberdeen, on Monday, September 28, from 5-7 p.m. with a liturgical wake and rosary at 7:00 p.m., officiated by Father Greg Tschakert. Visitation continues one hour before Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Abbey of the Hills at 46561 147th St, Marvin, SD 57251.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is honored to serve the Van Dover family. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s Facebook page following the service.

Kenneth Maximus Van Dover was born in Aberdeen, SD, on April 23, 1936, the second son of Floyd and Amy (Sieman) Van Dover.

Ken attended school in Westport, South Dakota, graduating in 1954 with his longtime friend, Leo Green. They were the only two boys in a class of seven.

At the age of 15, Ken began working at Hub City Iron, where he worked for 46 years as a tool and die maker. On April 27, 1963, he married Elaine Margaret Ruhoff at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Westport. They shared 63 years of marriage and remained active members of the church, attending Mass weekly. No matter where they were on a weekend, Ken always made sure they found a church service to attend. His faith was an important part of his life, and he took part in many faith-based retreats, including Search, Koinonia, and other men’s retreats at the Abbey of the Hills Inn and Retreat Center.

Ken loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, water skiing, and farming. He was an excellent marksman. Ken and Elaine also loved camping as a family and enjoyed hosting pheasant hunters.

He stayed active throughout his life. Ken bowled in the JC League for many years, played softball and basketball, refereed, and served as a pit man for his brother Jerry at dirt track races throughout the area. He loved playing cards, especially pinochle. He had excellent math skills and a competitive nature.

Ken was a lifelong sports fan, especially cheering on the Vikings, Twins, and Northern State University. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and neighborhood kids’ sporting events. He was always willing to give his time to others wherever a hand was needed.

Ken was an honest and generous man. His grandchildren knew they could always count on Grandpa for concession-stand money. He was also known to pick up hitchhikers, give them a ride, and buy them a meal. Helping others was simply part of who he was.

After retirement, Ken and Elaine spent 10 winters in Texas, enjoying time with friends from around the country. A trip to Ireland was another special highlight of their later years together.

Ken is survived by his wife, Elaine; children: Wade (Cindy) Van Dover, Troy (Julie) Van Dover, and Janeen (Wayne) Haas; brothers Owen Van Dover and Mark (Linda Jo) Van Dover; sisters Beverly (Bob) Robinson and Linda Brooks; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Amy; brothers: Jerry, Donald, Daniel, Thomas, and Phillip Van Dover; sisters, Veronica Van Dover and Margaret Davis; brothers-in-law Dale Brooks and Dale Davis; and sister-in-law Audrey Van Dover.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who lovingly cared for Ken, as well as the Avera Hospice team, for their compassion and support during his final months.

Ken will be remembered for his strong faith, love of family, generosity, hard work, competitive spirit, and willingness to help others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.