2009 Ken Rome Fun Run – September 26th – Save The Date!

It’s June and we’re working on the 2nd Annual Ken Rome Fun Run.

Set aside Saturday, September 26th to participate. The run/walk will be at McCullough Park in Shoreview once again. Check back here later this month for more information.

 

Pictures and a Huge Thank You To All Involved!

THANK YOU (From Aaron)

I wanted to acknowledge and say thanks to my mom for planning this race in my dad’s memory and for cardiovascular research.

Her hard work and dedication are an inspiration to me and those who know her. My mom could not have planned this race without the help and hard work of her close friends.

A very special ‘thank you’ goes out to Teresa Ludka (who came up with the idea of this race), Rich Ludka, Mark and Sue Knudson, Bob and Jeanette Dettling, Mark and MaryKay Vance, Rich Davenport, Cis Brentz, Kim Rome, Lynn Dye for her wonderful work on this BLOG , Sarah Arkowski, who created our logo design for the brochure, posters, banners and T-shirts and countless others who have offered advice, suggestions and support along the way and our volunteers….This day would not have happened if it were not for all of these wonderful people… I am looking forward to race day!

Sharon Rome Interview about Ken and the Foundation

Interview with Minneapolis Heart Institute’s Dr. Schwartz

Dear Friends

Sponsor

Pictures of Ken and his Family

Ken – always the entertainer!

Aaron, Kim, Sharon, Abby & Ken

Ken & Sharon

Aaron & Ken

Sharon & Ken

Ken & Abby

Ken, Betty (Sharon’s mom), Sharon, Aaron & Kim

Ken & Rich Ludka

Ken and Andrea Ludka

Ken Rome Foundation Information

Ken Rome Biography (by Aaron Rome)

My Dad was born in South Milwaukee, WI on September 25, 1950 and unexpectedly passed away on March 2, 2008 of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. He passed away peacefully at his home during his usual morning run on the treadmill. He dedicated his life to health and exercise in a quest to live a long life, as his father passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 49. He was an accomplished athlete in high school and a dedicated runner in his adult life, completing several marathons and countless 5K races in his 30s & 40s.

My Dad’s other passion was his family. Dad married his high school sweetheart, Sharon, in 1973. They were to be married 35 years this past April. I was born in 1975, and quickly became my Dad’s best friend. The feeling was mutual, as my Dad was my best friend, mentor and role model. He loved his grandchildren, as well. He had a soft spot for Abby, 2, his first grandchild. Abby called him Papa and my Dad loved spending time with her. My Dad never had a chance to meet his 2nd grandchild, Maxwell Kenneth, who was born on June 14, 2008.

Dad was also a valued employee of Guidant/Boston Scientific. He held various sales, training, and sales management positions throughout his 26 year career. He built many relationships along the way, counting his colleagues as some of his best friends. My Dad retired from Boston Scientific in May, 2007. He was looking forward to this new stage in his life and was excited to spend time with his grandchildren, travel with my Mom, and golf at North Oaks Country Club.

My Dad was an amazing man and I miss him very much. He lived life to the fullest, valuing family above all else. He was the life of any party and was a great Dad and friend.