Kenneth Coleman, age 80, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Friday, September 4, 2015 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Kenneth Morgan Coleman, son of Charles and Anne (Morgan) Coleman, was born on July 31, 1935 in White Earth, MN. He spent most of his childhood in Naytahwaush, MN, and attended school at Flandreau and Pipestone. As a young man, Kenny worked as a logger. He entered the United States Army and was trained in Engineering. During much of his service, Kenny was stationed in Germany. After his discharge, Kenny made his home in the Minneapolis, MN area where he worked various jobs. He moved back to Naytahwaush in the late 1960's. On January 10, 1967, Kenny was united in marriage to Darlene "Shirley" Fairbanks-Keezer and in addition to her children they were blessed with two more sons, Ken Jr. and Charles. They lovingly raised their children and a grandson, Justin. Kenny began working at the Naytahwaush School in 1968 and continued his career there until his retirement. Over the years, he enjoyed working around the students and made many friendships. Kenny also liked to attend sporting events, especially watching his kids and grandchildren play. He was proud of his heritage and was honored to dance at many pow-wows. In more recent years, Kenny liked to go to rummage sales and thrift stores to find a "deal". Kenny had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and loved to tease. He was a regular at the "Red Apple" café and always looked forward to a meal with family and friends. In 2013, Kenny entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home where he has lived since. At the age of 80, Kenny passed away peacefully, under the care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Kenny is survived by his children: Ken Jr. (Shelly) of Fosston, MN and Charles of Naytahwaush, Giselle Lyons of Naytahwaush, Faith Keezer of Cloquet, MN, Rock (Jana) Keezer of Naytahwaush, Reed (Edna) Keezer of Harris, MI, and Justin Keezer of Mahnomen, MN., one sister, Evelyn Staples of Minneapolis; one brother, Ron (Thelma) Coleman of Mahnomen; six grandchildren: Krysta (Michael) Heisler, Tyler (Jaclyn) Coleman, Shantell Coleman, Charlie Coleman Jr., Carissa Coleman, and Charlize Coleman; three great grandchildren: Mataya, Brinley, and Cayle; and many step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two brothers, one sister, and an infant sister, and three step children, Donovan, William and Ann.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with Prayer Service led by the Ojibwe Singers beginning at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 9th at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church. Burial will be at Samuel Memorial Cemetery.