Kenneth Kirsch, age 67, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at his home.


Kenneth Thomas Kirsch, son of Leo and Vereena (Barten) Kirsch, was born on May 2, 1946, in Mahnomen. He grew up on the family farm east of Mahnomen and attended country school. Following his schooling, he helped his father on the farm and worked as a horseman on area ranches. On September 20, 1967, Kenny entered the United States Army serving during Vietnam. He served as a crew chief on the flight line and was the recipient of the Commendation Medal of Honor. Upon his honorable discharge on May 3, 1969, Kenny returned home and continued farming with his family. On July 25, 1970, Kenny was united in marriage to Sharon Nelson at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN, and the couple made their home on his family's homestead. He and his brother, John, farmed together for a few years, raising Black Angus cattle and grains. Kenny also owned and operated semi-trucks since the mid 1970s. Kenny's true passion was farming and he proudly resided on, and operated, his family's farm for his entire life. Kenny was passing the farm over to his son, Keith, but still remained very active helping whenever he was able.

As a young man, Kenny was an avid cowboy. He was involved in many riding clubs and participated in chariot races. He also liked ice fishing and spending time each summer at South Twin Lake. Kenny was an active member of the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31 and a life member of the Bejou VFW Wild Rice Post #1226. He devotedly served on the honor guard and presented arms at nearly every veteran's funeral in the area.

Kenny cherished his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was truly a social butterfly. He loved to socialize and visit with friends, most often sitting around having a beer together. He was always the first to jump in and go for a drive, have a party, or start a card game. Kenny had many loyal friends and made great memories over the years with each of them. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Kenny is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sharon "Shari" of Mahnomen; five children: Kevin of Mahnomen, Keith (Julie) of Mahnomen, Karrie Hanson of Mahnomen, Kathy (Josh) Keith of Menahga, MN, and Kent of Mahnomen; six grandchildren: Austin, Autumn, Allen, Kaleb, Karlie, and Kaitlyn; two brothers, Richard (Millie) Kirsch of Waubun, MN, and David Kirsch of Detroit Lakes, MN; two sisters, Becky (Carroll) Sheggeby of Thief River Falls, MN, and Mary (Richard) Simon of Brainerd, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: John, Robert, and Rodney; one sister, Carol; a sister-in-law; Linda Kirsch; and one nephew, Jeffrey Simon.


Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2014, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN. Visitation will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Thursday, January 23, 2014, from 5-7 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m., with Rosary to follow.

Interment will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Beaulieu.