Kenneth B. Wold, born January 31, 1940, in Crookston, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in Kenyon, Minnesota on July 17, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Ken was the beloved husband of Susan Wold and a devoted father to Mara Wold (Khiem Hoang), Sarah Van Epps (Scott Van Epps), and Bruce Wold (Janelle Wold). He was a proud and loving grandfather to nine grandchildren: Daniel Van Epps (Alexandra Holmes Van Epps), Katherine Van Epps, William Van Epps, Quinn Hoang, Spencer Hoang, Madeleine Hoang, Riley Bram, David Wold, and Floyd Wold. Ken also had a vast extended family of nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law he loved dearly.
Born to Ruth Berentzen and Arthur Wold, Ken’s early years in Crookston shaped his strong values, love of music and literature, and a deep sense of connection to others.
He played football for the University of Minnesota while earning his undergraduate degree in liberal arts and later received a master’s degree in education from the University of New Hampshire.
Ken was a gifted alternative school educator, a skilled carpenter, and a compassionate, community-minded individual. He was united in marriage to Susan Beresford on October 15, 1976 in Brookings, South Dakota.
Ken was active (with wife, Sue) in the Kenyon First Evangelical Lutheran Church choir as a bass tenor and performed in community plays with the Kenyon Arts Council. He played a role in founding the local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and spoke frequently to young people about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. His commitment to supporting others was evident in everything he did, as he always chose to embody the love-thought system.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Berentzen and Arthur Wold; his first wife, Mary McCulla Wold; his sister, Patricia Lloyd; his brother, Paul Wold; and his cousin, Karen Rowley King.
Ken leaves behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and quiet strength. His children and grandchildren were his greatest students, and his most enduring lessons were to live fully and love without condition. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him.
The family would like to thank the Mayo Clinic medical teams and the St. Croix Hospice staff for their exceptional support and care.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
The Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church (309 Forest St., Kenyon, MN 55946). The visitation will one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements were entrusted to Michaelson Funeral Home of Kenyon. Please visit www.michaelsonfuneral.com to leave a condolence for Ken’s family.
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