Kenneth M. Tangen

Kenneth Merlin “Ken” Tangen, 94, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Eventide on 8th Nursing Home, Moorhead, MN.

Ken was born on March 15, 1930, in St. Paul, MN, to Gladys Tangen. He was raised in Lisbon, ND, graduating in 1948. Ken completed his college education in 1958 graduating from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.

During those past 10 years, Ken briefly served in the army, worked in management for a department store chain and was a pharmaceutical salesman. He began his teaching career in 1958 in Greenbush, MN, and began his career in English in Moorhead in 1962, retiring in 1992. Ken continued in education for 16 years both at Concordia and MSUM, finally retiring in 2010. While at Moorhead High School, he was student council advisor for 20 years, founded the Knowledge Bowl team and served as its coach for fourteen years.

Ken served in the community on the Civil Service Commission and the Charter Commission. He served in various capacities in the churches of which he was a member.

Upon Ken’s retirement, he served on the State Board of Retired Education Association of Minnesota and was active in the local Retired Teachers Association. Ken was a member of Kiwanis and also the Gideons.

Ken was married December 30, 1956, to the love of his life and best friend, Mary Vivian Elstad. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; four children, Eric (Loralie) Tangen, Overland Park, KS, Robert (ReNae) Tangen, Perham, MN, Julie (William) Steen, Dorset, MN, and Kirsti (Mark) Jensen, Richfield, MN; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, June Tangen, Ankeny, IA, and Jean Dutton, Colorado Springs, CO; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Gladys, and brother, Robert Tangen. 

Ken’s faith and trust in Jesus Christ and his awareness of God’s blessing were the guiding points in his life. His favorite book throughout his many years was the Bible.

Ken delighted in his friendships with the workers at the Linden in Moorhead. Arlene and Kurt held a special place in his heart. The family thanks Sanford Hospice and the staff at Eventide Nursing Home for their compassionate care during his last weeks.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 24, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Visitation will continue from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the service will be available on Ken’s webpage at www.wrightfuneral.com where a guestbook and video tribute may also be found. A family graveside service was held at Prairie Home Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.