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Ken Freiberg Obituary
The retired fireman was a State Fair mainstay and baked-bean entrepreneur.
BY BILL GARDNER
Pioneer Press
Ken Freiberg, who loved to ride in an old fire engine as founder of Captain Ken's Firehouse Baked Beans in the Minnesota State Fair parade, died Monday of cancer. He was 91.
Freiberg rode in the parade for 28 years, usually in his beloved 1923 Ahrens Fox antique fire engine, before finally taking his last parade ride in September 2000 at age 87.
"It comes a time you have to quit," the Marine on St. Croix resident said in a Pioneer Press interview for his last ride. "You don't know what's going to happen at my age."
It was a recipe of molasses baked beans that propelled Freiberg to fame back when he was a fire captain for the St. Paul Fire Department.
The guys at the fire station took turns bringing home-cooked meals to work.
"When it was his turn to cook, he would make baked beans," said Freiberg's wife, Minna. "The guys liked them and they told him he ought to market them."
In 1966, a year before he retired from the fire department, Freiberg started his company, Captain Ken's Foods.
The State Fair was one of the first places he set up shop.
"He had a stand," Minna Freiberg said.
At first, he cooked the baked beans out of his home, but he soon got a beanery on Selby Avenue.
"He had some lean years when he really didn't know whether he would make it," she said.
Freiberg added chili, au gratin potatoes and beef stew to his list of products and got into the frozen food business.
Over the years Freiberg became one of the recognizable characters in St. Paul.
"We're running out of those characters," said Ron Maddox, Taste of Minnesota general manager and former St. Paul City Council member. "Every city needs them."
Maddox said Freiberg was a great promoter for his company and the city of St. Paul.
"He put his heart and soul into what he did," Maddox said. "I happen to be a guy who likes pork and beans and chili. He had the best chili and beans I've ever had."
In 1989, Freiberg sold the company to his employees. In 2000 it was sold again but is still known as Captain Ken's Foods.
Many people remember Freiberg mostly for his appearances in the State Fair parade, where he rode antique fire engines and even horse-drawn fire carriages.
"He went in every parade he could," Minna Freiberg said. "I always love people, especially little kids, and you know, it's just fantastic when you go by and people clap," Freiberg said the day of his final parade ride.
Freiberg was an avid hunter and fisherman and in later years took up gardening. He especially enjoyed growing raspberries and strawberries.
Freiberg grew up in Lake Benton, Minn., and had a shoe repair shop in Detroit Lakes, Minn., before moving to St. Paul, where he worked at 3M before joining the fire department.
In addition to his wife, Freiberg is survived by his son, Kenneth, Minneapolis, and sisters Mary Nelson, Tujunga, Calif., and Lucille Osfar, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Thursday at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Franconia. Visitation is one hour before the service at the church.
Memories and Condolences
for Ken Freiberg
Sponsored by Friends of Captain Ken.
63 Entries
Rosie Korlath
February 7, 2006
Just remembering Captain Ken and the wonderful things he did, as a firefighter and as a cook! He was my dad's (Joe Korlath) fire captain at Snelling and Ashland and they spent time working on the "beans". I asked my dad once why he didn't go into business with Capt Ken, and dad replied, "I've got the recipe in my head and he's got the headaches." Thank goodness for the Capt Ken's Foods!
Karen Mergener
January 31, 2006
It's hard to believe you have been gone for one full year, Uncle Ken. You have been dearly missed here at the lake and a bunch of your friends will be having coffee with Minna this morning. I am sure you will be the main subject of conversation!
Thanks to the Traxlers for keeping the guest book going. Minna appreciates everything you do for her. You have been so good to her all along!!!
Love and miss you Uncle Ken!!!!
Captain Ken at the Mn State Fair
January 28, 2006
Karen Mergener
October 21, 2005
Hey Uncle Ken, I thought you might like to know that "Meisters" in Scandia is now serving "Captain Ken Beans". They really seem to be going over from what I can tell.
Also we were out to dinner the other night and the Black Smith is still serving the beans. I remember when we used to go there with you and we were always so proud that they had the Captain Ken sign up on the wall.
Love and miss you so much!!!!!
Shonagh Boyle
September 8, 2005
My sympathy goes out to your family. I worked for Cap'n Ken when he was still on Selby and then took the long bus ride to West Saint Paul until I finally was able to drive myself. I stayed for about 5 years but have never found a more welcoming place to work. Ken will be sadly missed.
Karen
August 31, 2005
Missed you at the fair, Uncle Ken. The parade brought back many good memories. I'll never forget the time you took my daycare kids and I to the fair to ride the fire truck. Olivia and Oliver were so excited. I remember you walking ahead of me and the two kids holding your hand and they looked so small beside you. They were both talking a mile a minute and so impressed that they were with "Captain Ken". Love you, K
Susan Larson
February 21, 2005
Ken was a great man that knew how to stand behind what he believed in and had to courage to stick to it until he got his desired results. His energy and commitment had him a great success we need more like him in this world
Michelle Mergener
February 19, 2005
Minna,
I feel very lucky to have had the chance to get to know you and Ken over the past several years. Ken was a kind and generous person who always had lots of interesting stories to tell. I know he will be greatly missed by many people. Minna, you are a sweet, wonderful person, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Don Keis
February 17, 2005
Minna, here is the letter I wrote to Ken the night before he passed away.
Dear Ken,
This letter is LONG over due, however it is something that I have thought about many times, but I never took the time to sit down and write it.
First of all I want to say thank you. You have done more for me and my family then you will ever know. I am not even sure where to start.
Thank you for hiring me when I was only 15 years old. You didn't have to but you did. And then when I quit, you said "if you are ever looking for a job come back, and I will always have a place for you", I never thought I would be back.
After college I came back. Who would have thought I could be a baked bean and chili salesman. Again you took a chance on me. And now almost 21 years later I'm still at it.
Ken please believe me when I tell you the reason I came back to Captain Ken's was because of you. The reason I stayed is because of you. And one of the reasons I'm still a salesman for Captain Ken's is because of you.
You have been and still are such a positive influence on me. I remember so many things about the old plant on Selby & Fairview. I know you went many times without a paycheck. That did not mean much to me back then. But as I got older I realized what a great sacrafice that was. You also taught me a lot about the business world. Like how to deal with people, be honest, be yourself, don't take yourself too seriously, be humble. You did business on a handshake. I wish we could go back to the old fashion way of doing business.
I know you had many opportunities to sell Captain Ken's to large companies or individuals. You chose to sell it to the employees. What a wonderful gift you gave us. I have a retirement plan that will help my family and me in the years to come.
You are agreat storyteller and have a wonderful sense of humor. I always looked forward to the stories and jokes you would tell. I still use many of these jokes and phrases. I hope that's OK. I always give you the credit for the jokes.
Whenever I make a sales call or presentation, I truly enjoy telling the 'Captain Ken's' story.
Thanks again Ken for all you have done for me personally and professionally. You are near the top of a short list of people that have impacted my life the most.
My family and I will keep you and Minna in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.
Sue and Phil
February 14, 2005
To Aunt Minna on Valentines Day. Our love, our thoughts and our prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing Ken with us. He was truly a wonderful, gracious, caring person. May you always find strength in your memories of the life you shared together. His memory will always be with us every time we eat Captain Ken's beans, see an old fire truck, think about the family picnics at your home and our trip to see you in Texas and the trip with you and Ken across the border. Love today and always.
Barb Iverson
February 12, 2005
Dear Minna,
My earliest memory of Ken was when I was a little girl and he came to the house to show Mom cpr. I remember laying on the floor looking up at him, thinking he was so big that he'd squash me! Much to my delight he was very gentle, and I wasn't squashed. I also remember him teaching us how to evacuate the house in case of fire. I particularly appreciated him pointing out to me that all I needed to do was unhook my window screen and climb out the window. Since my brother is older than I am, he was allowed to play outside at night after I was already in bed. One night I heard him and the neighbor kids playing "Starlight, Moonlight" and remembered Uncle Ken's directions. I got dressed and climbed out the window, played for a while with the other kids, then tried to get back in the house. That's when I discovered that Ken hadn't shown me how to climb back in the window! I also remember Ken and Mom trying out lots of new recipes for baked beans as he continually strove to find the perfect recipe.
He was one in a million and we were blessed to have known him.
Love,
Barb Benfield Iverson
Jenny Kroll
February 11, 2005
My favorite Christmas Comercial was that of Captian Ken driving his horse drawn fire engine with his dalmation and beautiful team of white draft horses. He took a ladder out of the fire engine to rescue a kitten with a big red christmas bow around it's neck for a little girl in a white fur coat. Little did I know that a year later he gave me a ride in that same horse drawn fire engine.
That memory will be with me for the rest of my life. My sympathy to all the family and friends that were close to him and will miss him dearly. He left a mark on many peoples lives. He was a fortunate man to find success in two careers and love twice in a lifetime, he was a man that recieved many blessings in his life and was willing to share his good fortune. We were lucky to have known him
Mary Nelson
February 10, 2005
I was very sorry to hear Of Captian Ken's passing. He was one of the few great characters left in this city. He was larger that life because he loved life and lived it to the max. We can all learn a lesson from him to live life to it's fullest, to be passionate about what you do and if you are spending the most sacred thing you have which is your time and energy then make it the best that you can possilby do. He will be missed by many. The Captian had a good long life we should all be so fortunate
Dennis / Joanne Benfield
February 10, 2005
Dear Minna,
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel at Uncle Ken's passing. I have many fond memories of him. He taught me how to: catch those Large Mouth Bass, from Big Marine Lake, with a "Jointed Pikie Minnow"; to hunt ducks in a canoe---with 50 mile per hour winds; and to hunt Pheasants--while traveling to Lake Benton---
in a Volkswagon Bug. We remember the trips to Progreso, Mexico, where we would get our hair cuts and then off to the bakery (Ken's favorite eating place), for the coffee, rolls and sometimes the nacho's. The thing we remember most about Uncle Ken was that he made everyone feel important with his kindness and generosity. Thank you Minna for taking such good care of him, for without you he would not have had so many good years.
Love, Dennis and Joanne
John Traxler
February 9, 2005
Dear Ken:
On Monday Minna called and told us you had passed away. Even though I held your hand the night before, alongside your son Jerry, and your longtime friend Kevin Kosel and his wife Mary, hearing the news was not easy to accept. None of us wanted to let you go. I was sitting in Big Red when I received the news. I was bringing the Dundon out for a promotion. I know that must have made you happy to enter heaven and look down and see the Captain Ken's rigs on display out at a customer. Early Tuesday morning, your longtime friend Richard Gavin asked me if we were going to lower the company's flag to half-staff. I immediately thanked Richard for reminding me and I grabbed a ladder to lower the flag to half-staff, with Richard's help. Later when I was asked if that was proper to do, I replied that I didn't care. It was a Ken Frieberg type of response. Lowering the company's flag to respect the passing of a great man was the "right thing to do." On Wednesday we prepared for your funeral. We told Ken stories in the office and told people how the company's mission statement concluded with the phrase, "We will...continue the rich tradition started in 1967 by Ken Freiberg, the company's founder." We certainly are prepared to do exactly that, even though we are without John Lundeen. So many people were sad to hear that you had passed away. You had built so many bridges during your lifetime. I put your picture up on the company bulletin board in the plant. We will never forget you. On Thursday we attended your funeral. It was peaceful. You had lived a great life. I repeat myself as you have heard me say to you before: I would like to live as long as you did. Your firehouse beans, served up by Bruce Swenson at the luncheon after the funeral mass, were perfect, served alongside some mustardy potato salad and with rye bread and butter. On Friday we tried to recover from a week the company will never again experience. I sampled the Firehouse Chili at a new customer in Minneapolis. We were doing all those things you would have been happy that we were doing. You would have used the word, "Wonderful!", even though we did not feel wonderful. Your long time friend Don Keis told me he misses you already. Hell, we all miss you. But, we may be closer to you working at the company you started. We are reminded of you every day. On Saturday I drove the Ahrens Fox in the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade. Dozens of people attending the parade shouted out condolences, and many nice things about you, to us as we drove the parade route. I wished Mike was here to see and hear this. It brought tears to my eyes a couple of times seeing and hearing so many people expressing their condolences and saying such nice things about you. My daughter Angela wore the old leather Captain Ken's fireman's helmet and rang the bell while sitting im your Captain's seat position; strangely she rang it just like you did, i.e., two tugs of the rope. The Ahrens Fox ran great; it must be the Seafoam, or your help. On Sunday I knelt in church with my son and said a prayer for you. We will never forget you. On Monday I raised the flag. Thank you for being a great friend. With love, Captain Ken's Foods.
Brad Petersen
February 6, 2005
I could tell fishing stories regarding my Uncle Ken all day long, but my favorite would be the "frog" story. We visit them every summer and my kids "grew up at the lake" with their Grandparents (Grandpa Larry and Grandma Karen) and Uncle Ken and Aunt Minna. One summer my friend Todd made the trip with my family to the lake. Todd and I were fishing on Uncle Ken's dock, and out from the garden comes Uncle Ken with the biggest frog he could find, he was going to teach Todd how to catch a Bass. I will never forget the look on Todd's face, and can only imagine what my expression was as he put this frog on the end his hook. He cast his line out there about 25 feet, and then we all watched as the frog quickly made it's way back to shore. Out went the line again, and again and again as the frog was doing his best to get back to shore each time, but with each cast was obviously growing tired of this little game they were engaged in. I've done alot of fishing with my Uncle Ken and never wished for him not to catch a fish, but I don't think there was a fish in the lake big enough for this bait. After about the eighth or ninth cast we were pretty much rooting for the frog to get back to shore, what a great time and a great laugh we all had! Uncle Ken, I will miss fishing with you, and having a "Happy Hour" glass of wine with you and just listening to your stories, I love you and I miss you!
Aunt Minna, I hope you know how much De, Ryne, Christine and I love you, you are such a wonderful person and have been a great role model for our kids.
Attila & Judy Erdos
February 5, 2005
Dear Minna and Son Jerry:
Ken was one of the nicest man we had the privledge to know. I remember when we lived on Fairview Avenue circa 1959 when your house was just around the corner Jerry. Our hearts go out out you and your family at this time of great sorrow. May you find peace knowing that Ken is in God's graceful
domain.
Marythea Grebner
February 4, 2005
Dear Minna
Ken was super special and God wanted him closer. Bless you during this sad time.
Love, Marythea & Ed
Krissa Meyer
February 4, 2005
Minna,
I'm sorry for your loss. "Uncle Capt'n Ken" was a wonderful man.
The tide recedes,
But leaves behind
Bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down,
But gentle warmth
Still lingers on the land.
The music stops,
And yet it echoes on
In sweet refrains...
For every joy that passes,
Something beautiful remains.
—Author Unknown
Alan & Sue Bishop
February 4, 2005
Minna - we were so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was such a character - larger than life. We saw your video - I'm pleased that you look so well.
Such fond memories...
Phil McLaughlin
February 3, 2005
Mrs. Freiberg & Jerry:
My brother Pat called to advise of your dad's passing. He was a great guy, father, and cub scout leader!! He also came to my mom's 90th b-day party in 1991 @ Doc's on 7th St...my mother loved seeing him! Good to see you at our 50th grade school reunion. God bless you and your family. Phil McLaughlin
Jennifer Butcher
February 3, 2005
I remember Ken at the family reunions, I always did enjoy the boat rides. I also remeber his love for his beloved dalmation, if my memory serves me correct I believe the dalmation's name was Aron.
Ken was a wonderful man with a huge heart. He will be sadly missed by all. May god bless you and keep you strong as you grieve.
Trevore, Jennifer (Nola's daughter), Kalie, and Riley Butcher
Irma Erdos-Adams
February 3, 2005
Heartfelt sympathy to you Minna and family. May you find comfort in God and the support you receive from all who loved and admired Ken.
Sincerely, Irma Erdos-Adams
Ryne Petersen
February 3, 2005
I didn’t see my great Uncle Ken much. I live in Colorado so I saw him 2-3 weeks a year and that’s if I was lucky. I remember us fishing off his dock when I came to visit. He would teach me all he knew about fishing and about all the fish to keep and which to let go but I wanted to keep everything I
would catch. I loved him, and miss him so much.
Dear Aunt Minna,
I’m very sorry about Uncle Ken. I want you to know that we’re here for you so hang in there. I'm glad I could come to Minnesota and be with you, unfortunately, we had to come for this. I love you very much.
Becky Robinson
February 3, 2005
Minna, I just wanted to send you all my love. I really miss those wonderful years we spent together picking green beans and raspberries. Both you and Ken have always had a special place in my heart. I think about the two of you daily. Ken's passing is a great loss, but it reminds us all of what an amazing man he was. I send my hugs and kisses!
Dorothy R Montgomery
February 3, 2005
Ken will be missed by his many relatives and friends.
Love and Prayers to you, Minna, as you move through this stressful time. Dorothy M
Mary` Strandell
February 3, 2005
Dear Minna--- Has been wonderful to know Ken and to visit your home. I also have fond memories of each of you at family reunions. I will miss this fine person. Wish you well, Minna, and God Bless you and son Kenneth. (I am a cousin)
John Strandell
February 3, 2005
Mina, As I write this I think of the great family that was Kens. His was truly a prairie heritage. He came from a large Freiberg family with 13 aunts and uncles. This leaves a great many cousins to this day. My mother is one of these and I know she loves Ken very much, as do her childeren. I am proud to have known you and Ken and to have had the priviledge of having been a part of many family functions over the years. Bobbi and I will miss him dearly. God Bless you and the soul of Ken.
Winona Beving Stewart
February 2, 2005
Minna, So sorry to read of your husband's death. He was a good man. I was in your 1957 class of student nurses. Memories are forever!!
Joe Krick
February 2, 2005
Uncle Ken had an amazing gift to make anyone feel welcome. He was always interested in what I was doing with my life and often gave me direction. I will always remember Sunfish off the dock and Crappies by the Girl Scout Camp. What an awesome role model to have. Love you Uncle Ken.
Tim and Dawn Krick
February 2, 2005
We don't have the words to express all the memories and love we shared. There was a poem we gave to Uncle Ken when we were young and it still reminds us of him today...........
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm on your face, The rain fall softly on your fields; And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
God Bless and Keep you. You watched over our shoulder when you were here, may you
always continue....................
Ann Peterson
February 2, 2005
Hi Minna,
I have been thinking of you these last few weeks since Ken got sick. In fact I had a card in my purse with the intention of sending it to you when we got the word that Ken had died. I talked to Laura tonight and she had an e-mail from Natilie and they had talked about the time we came to visit you in Texas. They still quote Ken's funny sayings> I will see you at the funeral. I am sure there will be many people who will want to remember Ken.
De Petersen
February 2, 2005
I saw Uncle Ken every summer. Spending time with him was always fun. I loved him, and I'll always remember him.
Charlie & Mary Dexter
February 2, 2005
Minna, Our love and prayers are with you. We know that Ken will be missed by all who knew him.
Rita Schlosser
February 2, 2005
Dear Minna,
I was sadden to hear about Ken's illness and passing. He was a great man who touched so many lives. Sonja was always very proud to say she is related to Captain Ken!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jerome, Rita, Sonja, Clayton & Reanna
Rosie Korlath
February 2, 2005
To the Frieberg family,
My deepest sympathies at the death of Ken. He was my dad's fire captain for many years at station 14 on Snelling and Ashland and those were good times.
Karen Mergener
February 2, 2005
I only hope that you knew how really "special" you were to me, Uncle Ken. I will always treasure all the memories and feel so fortunate to have shared the last 12 years with you and Minna at the lake.
Minna, without saying, I hope you know how much I truly love you. We'll always be there for you!!!
Larry Mergener
February 2, 2005
I'll miss you "big guy"! Had a great 12 yrs living next to you at the lake. I'll never forget our cribbage tournaments. I always loved your way of fixing stuff by just "using a bigger hammer" and just hit it harder.
"Tootsie" hang in there, my thoughts are with you. Keep the coffee pot on! Luv from Larry
Douglas and Michelle Rosenau
February 2, 2005
Minna, Sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Captian. I will always have fond memories of our family reunions at the cabin and all the time that Ken spent with the kids out on the dock. My prayers are with you and your family.
Marge & Darrell Shaw
February 2, 2005
Dear Minna,
Darrell and I are so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing Ken on his daily walks. It was always an enjoyable day when starting it out with one of Ken's quips!!
The best time we ever spent with you and Ken is when you came to try out our hottub, Ken borrowed a shower cap with an umbrella design. If I can find that picture, I will bring it to you. You are in our prayers.
Patrick J Freiberg
February 1, 2005
God has called another great person home! May his soul rest in peace.
Pat Freiberg, cousin
Joe Crawford Family
February 1, 2005
Captain Ken has long been a favorite in the Crawford household! When we lived at 1789 Selby Ave in the 70's, Ken walked by our house each day on his way to the beanery. He always took time to stop and visit with the kids when they were outside playing. Two of our children, Luke and Sarah appeared with Captain Ken in some of his commercials. I laugh right now thinking of our then 3 year old daughter, Sarah, greeting Ken, "Hi Captain Beans" she would say as he walked the block up to the beanery. Captain Ken, thanks for the memories! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Nola Rosenau
February 1, 2005
Minna, So sorry to hear of Ken's Passing. My thought are with you durning this time. My family and I have all good memories of Ken!!!
Keith Dalluhn
February 1, 2005
In 1976 my parents and I moved out to "the lake". One of the first people I met while fishing from shore was Ken. I remember fishing off the dock almost every day during the summer. 20 years later I took my wife to meet my "famous friend" at the state fair. Ken invited us to ride on the back of the fire truck in the parade. From fishing to parades some of my fondest memories involve Ken. Thanks Ken.
Csilla Erdos-Kelly
February 1, 2005
You'll be missed very much, Captain Ken. I will always have such fond memories of you and your stand at the State Fair that Grandpa Edmund always took me and my brother Ed and my sister Ildie to. What a wonderful and kind man you were. I believe all who had the pleasure of knowing you would agree.
Minna, may you find peace through faith in the Lord. He shall bring you through this trying time in your life, I'm certain.
Many of us lost a great man but God has just gotten another great angel. Say hi to Grandpa for me, Captain.
Sincerely,
Csilla Erdos-Kelly
Nita Sweet
February 1, 2005
Dear Minna, My heart is just breaking. The most exciting 16 years in my life was working side by side Ken. He was a one of a kind, and will be deeply missed. I will never run out of stories about Ken. It was so nice to see you both this summer. God Bless You. Nita and Jim
Jim Bob
February 1, 2005
I can still remember seeing the "Cap'n" at the State Fair and him with the fire truck. Lots of great memories.
I can imagine what it was like in his fire house after everyone had finished several huge helpings of his baked beans!
Hat's off to ya Ken!
Greg Lang
February 1, 2005
In high school i used to work at a gas station near the Selby Avenue restaurant of "Captian Ken" I was regalar there, mostly takeout. I had numberous conversations with Ken, His factory was near the West side bluffs where my grandparents lived. I recall driving by many times and seeing th4 old firetruck on the roof. I agree with Ron maddox that we have lost one of our "characters".
Carol Strandell
February 1, 2005
I will miss the wonderful days at the lake with Captain Ken and Minna. He was a giant of a man and a wonderful soul.
A Big Fan of Your Beans
February 1, 2005
I remember growing up - our grill out's always included "Capt. Ken's Baked Beans".. I haven't had them in a long time but just the thought of them brings back many fond memories of my childhood.. Thanks Capt. Ken.
Michaela and Waldo Shyne-Kalsow
February 1, 2005
Dear Minna, We think that you had the "nicest guy" in the world for a husband. We are sorry to see him go and hoping that you will be o.k.
Michaela and Waldo
Bill Strandell
February 1, 2005
Dear Mina and Family,
Ken was a faith filled man that leaves the legacy of Christ's love. May memories of hope and happiness and light that I see in him today and forever shine for all of us. We love you.
Bill Strandell and Family, Val, Kathryn, and Angela
_____________________
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all that's left behind ,
May the clues that they discover
and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
-Jon Mohr-
_______________________
Louie Freiberg
February 1, 2005
We will miss you Ken. We will be praying for you, Cousin, Louie Freiberg, South Dakota
Mike Strandell
February 1, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Ken and Minna.
Kathy Petersen
February 1, 2005
Ken,What an awesome and fun guy! He was so generous to others and kind hearted. I remember him patiently on the dock with a bunch of kids, baiting hooks and removing tiny little fish, with a bunch of his food up on the deck for us all to enjoy. I'm so glad my Aunt Minna had this man in her life and that he brought her such joy!
Barbara
February 1, 2005
Ken was a great citizen of Minnesota. A firefighter, a volunteer, business owner, patron ... bigger than life itself. He was a grand gardener too, "outstanding in his field"!!
How about that apearance at the state fair every night, driving his horse drawn firewagon, wearing his red fire captain's uniform?
He loved his life with Minna, cherished his nephews and nieces, and knew that magic happened when his son called him "dad".
He was noticed in life. Now will truly be missed.
Norma Opalinksi
February 1, 2005
Minna, I was so sorry to hear about Ken's passing. He was a great man and I know how much he wil be missed. He touched the lives of many people. His memory will go on in hearts for many years to come.
Fred Jenister
February 1, 2005
There are fond memories years back when my father and I hunted with you in Lake Benton. Sorry that life has to end that we enjoyed so much.
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