Kenneth W. Rio

Kenneth W. Rio, 93, Grand Forks, ND, died Monday, August 5, 2019 at home.

Ken was born September 26, 1925 in Michigan, ND, the son of Erik and Amelia Johnson Rio. He was raised and educated in Michigan and graduated from high school there. Ken earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Mayville State and attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greely, Co where he earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education.

Ken married Donna Jean Creiman on June 3, 1951 at Cavalier, ND. They lived in Grand Forks where Ken was a biology teacher and head coach for Central High School football and track teams. He was also the assistant coach for the basketball team. He later served as the Athletic Director for Grand Forks Public Schools until the time of his retirement. In the summer months, Ken loved farming and raising cattle at his farm near Michigan, ND.

Survivors include his wife, Donna, Grand Forks; and a daughter, Joni Rio and her husband, Bill Crapser, Cheyenne, WY,

Ken was preceded in death by his sons, Tim in 1997 and Scott in 2002; four brothers and five sisters.

Memorial Services will be Tuesday, August 20, 2019, 2:00 pm, at United Lutheran Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #157, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3817 and members of the U. S. Marine funeral honors.