May Aging Well Award Winner: Ken Rosenauer
- Josh Fultz
- May 29
- 2 min read
At age 77, Ken Rosenauer continues to demonstrate what it truly means to age well—not by slowing down, but by continuing to serve others and make a difference in his community.
Ken's impact on Northwest Missouri spans decades. A Vietnam-era Air Force veteran, longtime educator, pastor, community leader, coach, mayor, newspaper owner, Red Cross volunteer, and mentor, he has dedicated much of his life to helping others and strengthening the communities he calls home.
For more than 32 years, Ken taught at Missouri Western State University, where he inspired and advised countless students. He has volunteered with the Apple Blossom Parade since 1980, served on the Rolling Hills Library Board, spent time on the Savannah School Board, served as mayor of Savannah, and continues to minister at several local churches.
When asked why staying involved remains important after retirement, Ken's answer was simple:
"One of the things I always try to do in my life is to live with the notion of making a difference."
After retiring from Missouri Western 14 years ago, Ken could have settled into a quieter life. Instead, he continued volunteering, serving congregations, helping through the Red Cross, and remaining active throughout the community. For Ken, retirement isn't about stepping away from purpose—it's about finding new ways to give back.
He believes one of the greatest challenges older adults face is loneliness and isolation. "Retirement can become a very lonely experience," Ken explained. "There still needs to be more beyond just family as far as community to make life worth living."
His advice to others is to shift their focus from what they did for a living to how they can continue serving others. "There are countless opportunities across the community everywhere you go to volunteer," he said. "It just takes a giving spirit."
Ken believes purpose doesn't end with age. In fact, staying connected, engaged, and active helps keep life meaningful. "Why should life become slow and routine and dull just because you get older?" he asked.
When reflecting on receiving the Aging Well Award, Ken said he hopes his story encourages others to step forward and serve. "If somebody looks at this and says, 'If he can do that, sure I can do that too,' then it's worth it."
At Freudenthal Home-Based Healthcare, we are honored to recognize Ken Rosenauer as our May 2026 Aging Well Award recipient. His lifelong commitment to service reminds us that aging well is not about slowing down—it's about continuing to make a difference.
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