Obituary of Kenneth Roy Hatch

Kenneth Roy Hatch Died peacefully on March 8th at The Pillars in Lakeville Minnesota surrounded by those who loved him. He was 81 years old. Mr. Hatch was born on September 4th, 1942 in Algona, Iowa, the second of four children of Clyde Francis Hatch and Ruth Eileen Christiansen.

While attending Mankato State University, he met and married LaVonne M.J. Muller in 1962. After graduation in March of 1964, he continued working on his Master’s Degree and began teaching 6th grade at Union Elementary School in Mankato. He also taught at Monroe and Hoover Elementary schools, driver’s education and summer school. He was one of the first MSU graduates to receive his specialist degree in 1970. He then became an elementary principal at Elmore, MN for three years, followed by Slayton for 17 years and ended his public school career at Countryside School in Edina the last 11 years. He and LaVonne were partners with Bob and Karen Peterson and owned “Patches Par4” in Elmore. They also owned K’s Educational services and SOS seminars that offered educational workshops throughout the state of Minnesota.

Ken was the author of Chances & Ideas, a book full of ideas on how to help your child from birth to six. He wrote monographs to help schools and parents make informed decisions regarding their children. His passion was helping anyone with high academic, social and emotional needs.

Ken received Distinguished Principal Service Awards in 1986, 1990 and 1997, the Elementary School of Excellence Award 1987 and the National Distinguished Principal’s Award in 1989.

Ken was preceded in death by his infant brother, Larry Lee Hatch, and his parents Clyde and Ruth. He is survived by his wife LaVonne, three daughters, Kellie and Ken Lewis; Michelle Hatch; and Tracy and Jeff Davis. He is also survived by two brothers, Jerry and Linda Hatch; Bob Hatch and Sue Woolsey; and two nephews, Mark Hatch and David Hatch. Lastly, he left a legacy of 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren which he cherished and loved with all of his heart.

In 2002 Ken, LaVonne, and their children and grandchildren built a log home on Blackwater Lake in Longville, MN. They spent many days enjoying their family and friends during all seasons of the year.

Family and friends may wish to make a memorial contribution to the “Ken Hatch Memorial Fund” for students who have a passion for teaching elementary students.

Family and friends are invited to join us to honor Kenneth R Hatch for a Remembrance Service at 1:30 and/or the Celebration of Life for food and fellowship from 2:30-5:30 on Friday, April 12th at the Apple Valley Senior and Event Center, 14601 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124. 

If you are unable to attend, you can join us on-line. Simply send a message with your name and email to: daniel@yourtap.org.  We will send you an invite with a link to join.