Kenneth Rueall Colyer
March 24, 1946 – July 28, 2024
Kenneth Rueall Colyer was born in San Francisco CA on March 24,1946 to Shirley and Rueall Colyer. He passed away at his home in Stockton CA on the morning of July 28, 2024.
Ken was a wartime veteran, serving in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller during the Vietnam War. While in the service he met his loving wife, Jane, in Madison, Wisconsin. He attended Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Christian Education. Ken taught in the Missouri Synod Lutheran School system for 37 years and would’ve told you that he felt he never worked a day in his life. He cherished the opportunity to shape young lives and loved all the children he served. His first assignment was at West Portal Lutheran in San Francisco, teaching 4th grade. In 1981, he was called to Trinity Lutheran School in Stockton. He fell in love with this community and lived the rest of his life in what he called “the best resort town in California”. After Trinity, he taught at St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Lodi, retiring in 2011. Ken loved teaching during the school year, and during the summer was actively involved with the Creekside Cruiser swim team, along with his dear friend Boots Barnes.
Ken was a church going family man who loved his siblings, his mom and dad, his sweet wife Jane, his kids Kristi and Jeff and his grandchildren. He is survived by daughter Kristi Maureen Halva, son-in-law Lance, grandchildren Elizabeth, Jay and Madelyn; son Jeffrey Kenneth Colyer, daughter-in-law Nicole, grandchildren Morgan, Kellen and Chloe; sisters Lynn Baker and Maureen Delosa, and brother Wayne and sister-in-law Frances. And most importantly, his beloved poodle Roxy, a gift from his last class at St Peter’s Lutheran School. He was predeceased by his sweet, loving wife Jane, his bride of 50 years who was the love of his life.
The family would like to thank the community of students, parents, friends, and colleagues for wrapping their arms around their dad and family. When Ken was hospitalized this past April, he received over 100 cards from past students, from all over the world. This is a testament to his dedication and the impact that he made on so many lives. His family is so grateful for this love and support he received in his final days. They rest in the knowledge of his faith and his eternal life in heaven. The bible verse, Matthew 25:23, sums up the memory of their father, “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant.”
Services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lodi, Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 2:00pm. A reception to follow. In remembrance of Ken Colyer’s life and love of education, the family asks that charitable donations to be made to St. Peter Lutheran School, 50 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi, CA 95242.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Colyer family.