Kenneth Kinneman, age 83 of Hager City, died Wednesday, February 7th in the care of The Deerfield in New Richmond. Kenneth ‘Ken’ was born on July 25, 1940 in Red Wing, Minnesota, the son of Walter and Ellen (Dahl) Kinneman. Ken grew up on the family farmstead on County Road OO in Trimbelle Township. He attended Spring Grove Elementary School prior to graduating from Prescott High School in 1958. He met the love of his life riding the school bus to and from high school. On November 19, 1960, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Huppert at Ezekiel Lutheran Church of River Falls. This union would further be blessed with children Butch, Karen, and Kristen.

Ken worked several jobs following graduation including Ellsworth Creamery, Red Wing Shoe, and 3M in St. Paul before taking a position with North Star Steel in Newport. He worked for thirty-three years for North Star Steel before retiring as the Mill superintendent in July of 2000. 

Ken’s loves in life were his family, the farm, and his faith. 

In his dedicated life, he found great joy in nurturing and raising his children within a loving environment. He took immense pride in their accomplishments, offering gentle guidance and unwavering support throughout their journeys. Welcoming the laughter and stories of his grandchildren, his face would light up with a warm smile, eager to hear about the new and exciting chapters unfolding in their lives.

On the farm, he built his home and the barns to support his hobby, raising beef and allowing them to roam on the hillsides and be sheltered in the barn when they chose.  Tending to the Angus cattle and cultivating the fields was more than just labor; it was a therapeutic endeavor that brought him a profound sense of satisfaction. A devoted advocate for Oliver Tractors, he also held a steadfast loyalty to his Mercury vehicles.

His favorite leisure activity was fishing, a passion that brought him countless cherished memories. Whether casting for northern pike or patiently waiting by a hole in the ice, he found solace and joy in the beautiful waters of Wapogasset and Balsam Lake. His love for fishing reflected not just a hobby, but a profound connection to the tranquility of nature and the memories created in its embrace.

Ken will be remembered as a kind, generous, and gentle man who made friends easy. He will remain in the hearts of his wife Phyllis; children Butch (Wanda) Kinneman, Karen (Paul) Solyntjes, Krissy (Brent Peterson) Kinneman; grandchildren Luke (Bailey) Solyntjes, Brady (Brittany) Kinneman, Chace (Ellie) Kinneman, Nate (Camille) Solyntjes, Dane (Allison) Solyntjes, Matt Solyntjes, Jonathan (Bri Hollern) Cain, Allyson Cain; great grandchildren Finley, Norrah, Gibson, Hayden, Griffin, Willow, Joey, and Madeline.  He is further survived by his siblings Earl (Donna), Gerald, and Dale (Linda). His parents and brother Wayne precede him in death.  

We entrusted Deerfield Memory Care for Dad’s final months. Deerfield’s loving & capable Carers were joined by Optage-Hospice in January. Our heartfelt thanks and praise to each team member!

Funeral service for Kenneth Kinneman will be 11AM, Tuesday, February 13th at English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. Click here to watch on the church’s Facebook page. Visitation will be Monday, February 12th from 5pm to 7pm also at English Lutheran Church as well as one hour prior to the service at church Tuesday morning. Burial will be in the Diamond Bluff Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the discretion of the family. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth.