Kenneth "Ken" Rea Obituary

Kenneth "Ken" Allan Rea, age 81, of Cottage Grove, MN, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. He was born on July 27, 1943, in Red Wing, MN. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Edna Louise Rea; and his younger brother, Richard "Rick" Rea. He is survived by his loving wife of eight years, Sharon; his daughters, Sherry (Bob) Walkush of St. Paul Park, MN and their children, Charlie Rea and Brandon (Ashley) Walkush; Pam Rea of Circle Pines, MN and her children, Lauren Rea (Shaun), Megan Rea, Jordan Rea (Tyler) and their children, Madelyn and Layla, Kailynn Rea; and Wendy (Ron) Nelson and their children, Amanda Pavlak and Allan (Rachel) Pavlak and their child, Maeve; and stepson, Tom Richard (Kris) and their children, Kayley (Wyatt) and Makenzie (Matt). Also, survived by our extended family, Mary Myers and her children, Jenny (Jamie) Rau and their children, Aidan Rau and Elise Rau; and Kevin Willie and Tallon Mickey.

Ken graduated from Red Wing High School in 1961. He served in the Army from 1961-1964 and was stationed in Alaska. He got awards being a sharpshooter in rifle shooting. He was a Lifetime Member (L418) of MSRA, Minnesota Street Rod Association since the 70’s and Lifetime Member of NSRA National Street Rod Association (L1727). He was also a member of the Olds Club, Cruisin Customs and Sedan Delivery Club. Lastly, he was a member of the Twin City Model Railroad Museum.

Memorial Service will be on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 1 PM with visitation beginning at 11 AM at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016. You all are invited to enjoy a light snack and do a toast in honor of Ken at the American Legion, 328 Broadway Ave., St. Paul Park, MN 55071. Interment with military honors will be at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. 

For those who would like to participate in Ken's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 1 PM (CST). It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, please accept our apologies, but the service will be available to watch later in the day.