Kenneth "Patriotic Kenny" Jary

Age 84, of St. Paul, Minnesota, went to be with the Lord on May 16, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Kenny proudly served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1965 aboard the USS Okinawa during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was deeply patriotic and passionate about supporting fellow veterans throughout his life. He served as the UAW Vice President at Ford Motor Company during his 32 year career in Highland Park.

In recent years, Kenny became widely known as “Patriotic Kenny,” touching millions through his humor, kindness, humility, patriotism, honesty, and love for people. He was also the founding president of the Patriotic Kenny Foundation, his nonprofit organization dedicated to ending isolation and restoring independence for veterans through mobility scooters.

Kenny will be remembered for his love of flags, contagious smile, humor, humility, and genuine heart.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Janet and siblings, Steven and Beverly. He is survived by his children, Kim (Jeff), Mike, and Kelly; his siblings, Marlene, Dick, and Bonnie; his grandchildren, Thomas (Jess), Lindy (Kyle), and Crystal; one great grandchild, Connor; along with many nieces, nephews, coworkers, lifelong friends, and friends who became family throughout his 84 years of life.

Burial will be held privately with family and loved ones. A public Celebration of Life will be held at Vadnais Commons in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota on June 6th. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM with the service beginning at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Kenny asked that donations be made to support veterans through the Patriotic Kenny Foundation. www.patriotickenny.com