Kenneth Hillstad, age 95, of Bejou, MN, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the Mahnomen Health Center, Mahnomen, MN.

Kenneth Arley Hillstad was born on July 15, 1928, in Waukon Township, MN, to proud parents, Alfred and Christine (Haugen) Hillstad. In his youth, Ken attended a small country school and worked on his family's farm. In 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving with pride as an Army Engineer during the Korean War. During his service, he played a vital role in constructing bridges and foxholes during the testing of the atomic bomb. Honorably discharged in 1953, Ken returned to the Gary, MN, area, where he dedicated himself to working for local farmers.

On April 1, 1958, Ken acquired the Haugen Family Farm, a cherished property that had been in his maternal family for generations. He continued the family legacy through his hard work and dedication. On December 10, 1972, Ken was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda Flikka, at Ness Lutheran Church. The couple established their home on the farm and lovingly raised their family.

Kenny officially retired from farming in 1989, but he never lost his passion for hog farming and still enjoyed fixing old tractors, helping on the farm, and raising pigs. In retirement, he discovered a new hobby—repairing broken toys and crafting wooden canes and knickknacks. Above all, he cherished the moments spent with his family.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Linda; son, Jarrod (Rachel Rice) Hillstad of Grand Forks, ND; daughter, Melissa (Ron Opsal) Hillstad of Bemidji, MN; loving grandson, Joseph Hillstad; honorary grandchildren, Miranda Opsal and Serenity Kerzmann (Rice); sister, Orpha Aanenson; brother, Norman (Laurie) Hillstad; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Christine Hillstad; nephew, Wayne Aanenson; brother-in-law, Lester Aanenson; and beloved extended family.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN.  Visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 pm, with a prayer service at 6:30pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN.