Kenneth "Ken" Silbernagel

1939 - 2026

Kenneth "Ken" Silbernagel

BISMARCK - Kenneth "Ken" Silbernagel, 87, of Bismarck passed away on January 28, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, February 9, at the Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N 2nd St, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., with a Rosary/vigil service beginning at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 8, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck.

Ken was born on January 16, 1939, to Jacob and Juliette (Heisler) Silbernagel in Napoleon, N.D. He was raised in Napoleon, where he attended grade school and high school. During his high school years, Ken was active in FFA and athletics, playing football, basketball, and baseball.

He continued his education at North Dakota State University, where he played football and participated in the ROTC program.

After graduating from NDSU, Ken took a short break and worked with the FHA before pursuing his lifelong career in optometry. He attended Pacific University at Forest Grove, Ore., earning his doctorate in optometry.

Following graduation, Ken moved to Bismarck and began working at Capital Vision Clinic. He later became a partner alongside his brother, A. James Silbernagel, and served patients there for 31 years. Together, he and his brother also operated a satellite clinic in Napoleon, a practice Ken was especially proud of and deeply invested in.

In addition to his professional career, Ken was a dedicated farmer. He grew up loving farm life under the guidance of his father and continued farming throughout his life. Ken and his brother farmed neighboring land outside of Bismarck, a source of both pride and enjoyment for him.

Ken married Evelyn Waltos on December 29, 1983, at the Church of Corpus Christi. To this union, their child, Kelly, was born.

In his younger years, he loved fishing, hunting, and snow skiing. He was a devoted sports fan, especially cheering for the NDSU Bison and the hometown Napoleon teams. Ken also enjoyed golfing and walking the courses, and he was an avid bowler, proudly serving as captain of his bowling team. Ken enjoyed insightful discussions and exchange of knowledge with many groups of close friends.

Ken was a devoted member of the Church of Corpus Christi, where his faith played a central role in his life. He was also a longtime member of the North Star Lions Club, holding membership for more than 40 years and was honored with a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

He will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to his profession and community, love of the land, and quiet devotion to his family, friends, and faith.

Ken is survived by his wife, Evelyn; daughter, Kelly (Brian) Frenette; granddaughter, Aurora; sisters, Rosmary (George) Stelmach and Virginia (Al) Feist; sister in-law, Nadeane Silbernagel; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, A. James Silbernagel; and infant brother, Adam.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Church of Corpus Christi, Bismarck, and St. Mary's Central High School, Bismarck.

To sign the online guest book, share memories of Ken, and view the livestream, visit www.parkwayfuneral.com.