Kenneth Duane "Ken" Knuth

In Loving Memory of

Kenneth Duane Knuth

Ken Knuth, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30th, 2025, at home in Slayton, Minnesota. Ken was born April 6th, 1940, to Bernard and Rosetta (Westphal) Knuth on a farm east of Woodstock, Minnesota. The eldest brother of five sisters, Ken enjoyed growing up in a close-knit family in a small town with plenty of friends and neighbors. Ken graduated from high school in Ruthton, MN, in 1958 and attended South Dakota State University, graduating with an electrical engineering degree in 1966. While in college, Ken met the love of his life, Marlys (Humphrey). They were married on November 19th,1966, and together raised four children: Shannon, Nathan, Benjamin, and Nicolas. Having grown up with a switchboard in his living room, Ken learned from a young age the business of telecommunications and actively participated in his family's phone company, Woodstock Communications. Ken continued to contribute to the telecommunications field throughout his career, distinguishing himself as an industry leader. Ken was active with Finley Engineering for over 40 years, first as a regional office manager and eventually as the President and CEO. He held board positions in the Minnesota Telecom Alliance and helped organize and served as board chair at Midwest Wireless Corporation. Even late into life, Ken remained a licensed Professional Engineer in dozens of states, in which he took great pride. Ken spent a lifetime building connections, not only literal technical connectivity, but also connections between his family, friends, colleagues, and business community. Ken was the kind of person who could listen to differing points of view while holding on to his own values. In both work and life, Ken led with a steady blend of vision, practical wisdom, and quiet determination. Those who worked with him remember his ability to inspire confidence, mentor young leaders, and approach challenges with courage and common sense. In his free time, Ken enjoyed breeding and raising Shire draft horses, yearly fishing trips to Canada, and spending time with family and grandchildren. Ken always enjoyed following the sports and other activities in which his children and grandchildren participated.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Marlys Knuth; his children, Shannon (Jeffrey Widrick) Knuth of Arlington, MA; Nathan (Rachel) Knuth of Sebastopol, CA; Benjamin Knuth of Paris, France; and Nicolas (Jennifer Schrack) Knuth of White Hall, MD; and his sisters and extended family: Alva (Paul) Enemark of Tyler, MN; Gloria Judge of Mesa, AZ; Shelly (Dale) Borman of Holland, MN; Valorie (Mike Rupp) Knuth of Sioux Falls, SD; and Kathy (Joe) Tutt of Balaton, MN. Ken was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren, who will also serve as his pallbearers: Aaron Knuth, Eric Widrick, Jonah Knuth, Lauren Widrick, Tamar Knuth, Eleanor Knuth, Henry Knuth, Leah Knuth, and Kate Knuth.

Funeral services will be at St. Ann's Church in Slayton on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the church from 4-6 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 3:45 PM. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Interment is at St. Ann's Cemetery in Slayton, MN.

Those wishing to remember Ken may do so with a donation to the Pipestone County Historical Society or Murray County Hospice. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com