Kenneth Rongey

Dr. Kenneth Arven Rongey died peacefully on May 29 of complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was surrounded by family at his passing. He was 72. 

Ken was a family man, anesthesiologist and fisherman.  He found much reward in his work as an anesthesiologist at Blodgett Hospital from 1979 until 2005, at which time he retired from clinical practice after a diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. He served as Chief of Staff and was honored with the Spectrum Health Distinguished Physician Award. Patients and his family and friends benefitted from his incredible skill and care. 

Ken enjoyed fishing, but the fish were never threatened by his presence. A builder of bamboo fly rods and a master at tying fishing flies, he enjoyed spending time on the Little Manistee River. 

Ken was born on November 19, 1945, in Granite City, Illinois. He graduated from Granite City High School, the University of Illinois and Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He completed his anesthesia residency at University of California Los Angeles. He served two years in the Navy at Camp Lejeune as a Lieutenant Commander. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elaine, his son, Eric, his daughter, Andrea Dudley, and her husband, Tim, and two grandchildren, Hayes and Cora. 

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday June 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids, MI 49506.  The family will greet family and friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 2pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Van Andel Institute Parkinson’s disease research or Trinity Lutheran Church.

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