Kenneth Lee Forbragd

Kenneth Lee Forbragd, 76, of Leonard, Minnesota, formerly of Bemidji, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at home after a long illness.
Ken, or Kenny Lee, was born on May 28, 1949, in Bagley, Minnesota, to Lamoine and Edna (Knutson) Forbragd. He grew up on the family farm outside Leonard. The farm was the home he loved deeply his entire life. Growing up, Ken's Grandpa passed on to him his lifelong abilities to build, fix and solve problems. Ken also developed his love of hunting beginning at a young age, staying throughout his life. Ken attended grade school in Leonard and transitioned to Clearbrook when the Leonard school closed. Ken graduated High School in 1967 and went on to attend Bemidji Area Vocational Institute (now Northwest Technical College) in Bemidji, graduating with a degree in draftsmanship.
In 1969, Ken married Elaine Dahlen. In 1970, Ken enlisted in the US Navy. He and Elaine spent the next 4 years in San Diego, where Ken was stationed. While in San Diego, Ken practiced his artistic love of drawing/painting and produced many ocean/ship paintings that are still on display today. Ken was also the artist behind many Leonard Bash T-shirts in the 90's. After leaving the Navy, Ken and Elaine settled in the Minneapolis area, where they both worked for Crystal Tip/McQuay. Ken later worked for Super Radiator. In 1980, a daughter, Nicole, blessed their lives.
During a mid-life transition period, Ken returned to school to become a certified Dental Lab Tech, thus launching him on his new career as owner of Bemidji Dental Lab. Ken was your friendly "Lab guy" seen at many dental offices in the area. He was always proud of being able to "bring a smile back to people's faces", and work also gave him an outlet for his creative side. Ken ran his business for almost 30 years until health issues caused him to retire.
In 1995, Ken remarried Pam Koenen, who he met in Iowa on a blind date orchestrated by Ken's cousin. Ken and Pam shared a passion for renovating and rejuvenating their home. These projects often replaced the "real" vacations other families took.
Ken was a meticulous perfectionist in everything he did. This was time-consuming during the process, but satisfying when the finished product took shape. He loved inventing, engineering, and creating anything he thought he could "do better" than the store-bought version. He was also the undisputed champ of music trivia for anything before the 1980s, able to name the group, year, and where he was the first time he heard the song.
During seasonable weather, Ken could be found attempting to conquer that little white ball in a game of golf. It never happened. Hunting, ah, hunting! In the fall, that subject is all that filled Ken's mind and heart. He was absolutely smitten. He earned the title of "Mr. Goose" from his hunting buddies, but it wasn't just goose, it was grouse, goose, duck, and deer. Many great and funny stories of deer camp have been told at family gatherings.
In 2019, Ken and Pam sold their beautiful log home in Bemidji and moved back to Ken's childhood home near Leonard after Ken retired. Another major renovation awaited them to modernize and update the old farmhouse. The following years flew by, cleaning up and taking care of the farm place and following the activities of grandchildren growing up, with occasional camping trips added in. Ken's favorite camping spot was the North Shore, so multiple trips were taken there. During all these years on the farm, Ken battled multiple and increasing health challenges. But he was able to remain on his beloved farm until the combination of these illnesses eventually sent him to Heaven to be with many loved ones.
Ken is survived by his wife–Pamela (Crumlett/Koenen) Forbragd; Daughter–Nicole (Reece Arnold) Forbragd; sisters–Myrna (Brad) Putnam, Lori (Brian Yoemans) Petersen and Lynne (Brad Fields) Forbragd; grandchildren–MyCayla (Will Cook) Dahl, Camryn Forbragd, SaRiyah Arnold, Olivia Tuttle and Elliott Tuttle; great grandson–Henry Cook; Son-in-law–Chad Tuttle; Brothers/sisters-in-law- Bill & Waltraud Crumlett; Tom Crumlett, Sharon Wright and Mary Crumlett; Special nephew–Darrin (Kaci) Petersen; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents–Lamoine and Edna Forbragd; Step-mother–Blanche Forbragd; infant sister–LaRae Ann Forbragd; Step-daughter–Wendy Koenen-Tuttle; brothers-in-law–Bob Crumlett & Lyle Wright; ever-missed friend–Mel Nygaard; and cousins.
Our thanks go out to the Joe Lueken Cancer Center for being Ken's second family during his journey through cancer. The family also wishes to thank the VA, Bemidji Hospice, and Truhealthcare for their assistance, guidance, and compassion during Ken's last months.
No services will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be held on June 13, 2026 at Ken's beloved farm near Leonard. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.
Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com