Kenneth Roy Vinzant, 82, of Rock Island, passed away Tuesday March 9, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic, Iowa City.

Private livestreamed services will be 11am Friday March 19, 2021 at may be viewed at https://www.wheelanpressly.com/live-stream. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery, with Military Honors by VVA Chapter 299.

Kenneth was born on January 16, 1939 in Rock island, the son of Virgil and Arlene (DePaepe) Vinzant. He married Betty Marie Glancey on November 29, 1963 in Rock Island. She preceded him in death on September 20, 2018.

Kenneth was very proud of his Marine Corps Service and was honorably discharged in 1958.

Kenneth completed 3 separate degrees from Black Hawk College. He completed numerous certifications in the engineering field on his way to becoming an Engineer for the former Farmall Works, International Harvester, until they closed in 1986. He then moved to Milwaukee, where he worked for Briggs and Stratton and later spent a decade with Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. He then moved to Indianapolis, where returned to Navistar, the former International Harvester, to finish his working career as Plant Manager and Engineer. He and Betty returned to Rock Island to enjoy retirement.

Kenneth was a lifelong sportsman. He enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching sports. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, water skiing, and camping. He particularly enjoyed hunting on his family's property in Northern Illinois. He and his brother-in-law, Bill Curtiss, coached the ASA 13 to 15-year-old girls traveling team, The Junior Rookies, for several years with trips to State and National tournaments, including a 3rd place finish in the State of Illinois in 1980. He was an avid Bears fan and followed Notre Dame and Ohio State sports teams. He loved putting together puzzles and working Sudoku and crossword puzzles. He was very involved in researching his family's genealogy.

Kenneth spent his leisure time golfing at Saukie Golf Course with his friends, and bowling at Milan Lanes each winter. He participated in these sports in the Senior Olympics for several years, winning 13 medals. He was recognized for several hole-in-one shots at Saukie golf course.

Kenneth was a car enthusiast and the proud owner of two vintage T-Bird coupes at different times in his life.

Kenneth loved to travel and made frequent visits to see family, both in Northern Illinois and Texas. He made an extended trip to England on behalf of Harley-Davidson and counted that experience as one of the highlights of his life.

Kenneth was a devoted family man. He doted on his wife of 55 years, Betty. They were inseparable throughout their marriage.  He maintained frequent contact with his extended family. He made friends in all his walks of life.

He had attended Edgewood Baptist Church, Rock Island.

As a widower, he met and enjoyed spending time with his special friend, Diane Mitchell. They shared common interests in golf, bowling, and spending time with friends. She became an integral part of his life and care.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jean Vinzant Thompson; brother, James Vinzant; and brother, Wayne Leif.

Survivors include his brother, Jack Vinzant of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Jane Hill of Stockton, IL; brother, Donald Leif of Freeport, IL; sister, Jackie Wibben of Durand, IL; sister, Marge Musser of Kent, IL; sister, Pamela Leif O'Neil of Florida, and brother, John Leif of Florida; several nieces and nephews and many close friends, golfing buddies, and bowling partners.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com

In lieu of flowers, family asks you make donations to the American Cancer Society or the Arthritis Foundation in his name.