Kenneth (Kenny) James Oien, 90, Fertile, MN, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile.
Kenneth was born March 17, 1935, to Carl & Catherine (Jorgenson) Oien in Hillsboro, ND. He attended Bloomfield Country School, rural Blanchard, ND. He married the love of his life Marlys Ann Skanson, on December 5, 1953, in Maple Bay, MN. They were blessed with three children: Colleen, Kevin, and Keith “Chumbly.” They also raised Kenny’s niece, Jacque.
Kenny worked hard all his life. After the passing of his father at a very young age Kenny selflessly stepped up to continue running the family farm. He also worked various jobs throughout his life including construction, Cenex, and lastly running his own business, Ken’s Heating, retiring in 2010.
Kenny was known as “Mr. Fix it” for all his children and grandchildren, which was quite obvious if you were ever to visit his garage. He also always had a pocket full of candy ready to share with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Every time you would visit Kenny he would fondly reminisce about his childhood toy truck that he displayed proudly on the window sill next to his chair, his deep admiration for 1957 Chevrolet’s, and offering a handful of his “smart pills” (peanut M&M’s). Kenny loved nothing more than a visit or phone call. When it came time to say goodbye, he always said the same warm words…. “Take your time leaving but hurry back!”
Kenny is survived by a special friend, Iris Moen, one daughter, Colleen (John) Welch, Grand Forks, ND, two sons, Kevin (Mary) Linton, ND, and Keith “Chumbly” (Kay), Crookston, MN, eight grandchildren; Kelly Welch, Fargo, ND, Maren Welch, Grand Forks, ND, Jon (Hannah), Lisbon, ND, Michael (Alexa), Bismarck, ND, Brandon (Hailey), Bismarck, ND, Angie (Josh), Crookston, MN, John (Ashlee), Apple Valley, MN, Jacob (Madelyn), Bismarck, ND, two great grandchildren, Jensen & Ellen, one brother Don (Dee) Oien, Foley, MN, sister-in-law, Bonnie Skanson, Fertile, MN, and also many treasured nieces, nephews, and their children. He was preceded in death by his wife Marlys, granddaughter Jenna Welch, sisters; Marian, Adeline, Hazel, and Francis; brother in laws, Dan Skanson, Einar Buringrud, and Carl Aamold.
God Bless the Memory of Kenneth (Kenny) Oien.
In lieu of flowers his family requests memorials be given to Maple Bay Lutheran Free Church in Kenny’s memory.
Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, April 25, 2025, at Maple Bay Free Lutheran Church, Maple Bay, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.
Inurnment: Maple Bay Free Lutheran Cemetery, Maple Bay, MN. (At a later date)
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home Fertile, Minnesota
