1/20/2026 8:00:00 AM
Who among us hasn’t heard the saying, “It’s better to give than to receive?” For Kevin Renneke, Resident, Minnesota Veterans Homes - Montevideo, it’s more than just a saying. It’s been a way to live each and every day.
This past December, encouraged by a strong holiday spirit, Kevin withdrew twenty $50 bills from his personal bank account, donned an elf hat and other Christmas apparel, traveled to the Walmart Supercenter in Montevideo and gave away $1,000 to surprised—and lucky—shoppers.
The generous effort allowed him to spread kindness in his community; calling this experience something from his own life’s “bucket list” and saying this was exactly how he wanted to spend Christmas, Kevin made the holiday season extra special for local shoppers.
That same type of open-hearted giving occurred many years ago in his pre-Veterans Home days, when he won $1,000 on a Chicago gaming machine. He gave the waitress, who helped him access the stuck, winning ticket from the machine, his entire jackpot. He said he acted on impulse, feeling it was “the right thing to do.”
And, over the years, Kevin has also frequently donated to various charities, including Disabled American Veterans (DAV). That organization resonates personally with him, as he has a 100% disability due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Kevin’s history of giving to/serving others includes his time as a member of our nation’s armed forces.
Beginning in 1976 (post-Vietnam era), Kevin served seven years in the U.S. Army. Occurring during peacetime, his military service was filled with many meaningful experiences and important responsibilities. He completed three tours in Korea, where he worked primarily as a mechanic, maintaining and repairing equipment. He also served one year as a company driver, achieving the rank of E-5 (Sergeant).
One of Kevin’s most memorable assignments included being stationed in Colorado for a year. He fondly recalls journeying through landmarks such as the Royal Gorge, Garden of the Gods, Pike’s Peak, Cave of the Winds and unique natural rock formations in the area. Colorado stood out to him as his favorite duty due to the scenery and many opportunities to explore.
There is a history of military service in Kevin’s family. His father served in the U.S. Navy; Kevin was proud to follow in those footsteps into the U.S. Army. One of Kevin’s two daughters followed in his footsteps, recently completing 19 years of service, also in the U.S. Army, and earning the rank of E-6 (Staff Sergeant). Her work focuses on supporting soldiers returning from deployment, particularly those dealing with PTSD.
After leaving the military, Kevin—born in Granite Falls, MN and raised primarily in Wood Lake, MN—returned home to work alongside his father in a repair shop for a few years. Eventually, he chose a new path and started his own business in painting and sheet-rocking. What began as helping his brother with an office project grew into a successful career. He operated his business for over 30 years, with a presence in Wood Lake and later Wisconsin, where he lived for about 10 years. Kevin took pride in being his own boss and building his livelihood through hard work and skill mastery.
Back in the day, when he wasn’t working hard, Kevin says one of his fondest memories was drag racing on his snowmobile and racing a Midwest modified stock car in Montevideo and Redwood Falls.
Kevin chose to make the Montevideo Veterans Home his new home because he wanted to be surrounded by fellow Veterans and a sense of shared experiences. Since setting down his roots there, he says the Home has made a tremendous difference in the quality of his life. He describes staff and fellow Residents as kind, welcoming and accepting and believes that being around other Veterans has helped him feel more connected, active and healthy.
When asked what advice he would give to today’s youth, Kevin strongly encourages joining the military, noting that while it is different than when he served, the educational, employment and other benefits are better than ever, and service can be a rewarding and purposeful path.
