Kenneth M. Sannes, 90, Erskine, MN, formerly of Fertile, MN, passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine.
He was born on April 17, 1931, to Ludvig and Sophie (Peterson) Sannes in their rural Fertile, MN home as the youngest of eleven children. He attended Spring Creek School through 8th grade, then attended some schooling in Fertile until his father’s stroke, and had to stay home to work on the farm. He grew up farming, driving trucks, and playing amateur baseball with his brothers. In later years Kenny took on different farming jobs for others, in 1955 he moved to Beltrami, MN where he married Doris Tuseth and gained three stepchildren: Dianne, Calvin, and Dennis. In that union, four children were born: David, Leslie, Kenneth Jr., and Ronald. He started working for Great Northern Railroad in June of 1956.
In 1975 Kenny moved to Fertile, MN, and married Shirley Geving gaining three more stepchildren; Dennis, Scott, and Shannon. They later had one daughter together, Sharleen.
In 1992 he retired from Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad. Over the years Kenny played, coached, watched, and cheered for any softball. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a good game. He was also an avid hunter and ice fisherman. He was a wonderful dancer, gardener, and prankster. He loved getting together with family and friends and sharing stories.
In 2002 Kenny suffered a massive stroke, then entered the nursing home. Kenny will always be fondly remembered as “papa Knute”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers; Cyrus, Lawrence, Harry, Arthur, Ray, and Norman; three sisters, Charlotte Lewis, Garnet Kappes, and Vera Werpy; son, David; and three stepsons, Calvin Tuseth, Dennis Tuseth, and Dennis Geving.
Kenny is survived by his wife Shirley of Fargo, ND; sister, Dora Olson of Ada, MN; three sons, Les (Janet) of Mentor, Kenneth Jr. (Leanne) of Beltrami, Ron (Lori) of Fertile, MN; daughter, Shar Heck of Fargo, ND; stepson, Scott (Carla) Geving of Hope, ND; two stepdaughters, Dianne (Wes) Brandt of Detroit Lakes and Shannon (James) Noah of Crookston, MN; 10 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
Funeral: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN. Due to COVID 19 concerns please wear a mask when attending the visitation and funeral.
Visitation: One hour before the funeral at the church.
Interment: Concordia Lutheran South Cemetery, Fertile, MN.
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home
