Kenneth B. Brodsho

Kenneth B. Brodsho, age 84, of Mahnomen, MN, died at home, Tuesday, June 18, 2013, surrounded by family and under Hospice Care of the Red River Valley. Kenneth Bernard was born June 1, 1929, at home in Mahnomen, the son of Lawrence and Olga (Thompson) Brodsho. Growing up east of Mahnomen, he attended and then graduated from Mahnomen High School. On October 14, 1950, Ken was united in marriage to Ethel McCollum. The couple made their home in Mahnomen and Ken began working at Wild Rice Electric. The following year, he was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge, Ken returned to Mahnomen and continued working at Wild Rice Electric. After 40+ dedicated years of service, he retired from Wild Rice Electric. Over the years, Ken was an active part of his children’s activities. He was both a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. He served on the Mahnomen Public School Board for several years. Ken always enjoyed spending time with all his children and grandchildren and provided for them a great role model, sharing his knowledge. He was very proud of all their achievements, large and small. Ken was a very active member of First Lutheran Church; teaching Sunday School, and serving as Deacon and Treasurer. He also held memberships with the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31, Quarterback Club, Lions Club, and Mahnomen Community Theatre. Upon retirement, Ken continued to keep busy. He volunteered at the Mahnomen Historical Society and followed his grandchildren’s activities. He and Ethel wintered at Lake Havasu for many years, with old friends and new acquaintances. Ken loved to do woodworking, go camping, take road trips, and read the news. In recent years, he became close to his grandchildren as he embraced the new age technology by using his computer for emails and Facebook and sending text messages via cell phone. If you needed some advice to fix anything, Ken was the guy to ask. His home shows many examples of his creativity and resourcefulness. He was an honest, humble, hardworking individual who lived by his faith. Above all, Ken truly loved spending time with his family and simply adored his wife and children. Ken is survived by his wife, Ethel, Mahnomen; four sons: Randy (Kay), Sunburst, MT, Bradley (Debbie), Eagan, MN, Kent (Barb), Lakeville, MN, and Kelly (Sherri), Fargo, ND; one daughter, Kathy Johnson, Great Falls, MT; one sister, Esther Downing, Barnesville, MN; eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren and one step-great-great-grandchild. Preceding him in death were his parents; six brothers; five sisters; one great-grandchild and his son-in-law. Funeral Services were held Monday, June 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Visitation was held on Sunday, June 23, 2013 from 4:00 -6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Kenneth B. Brodsho

June 1, 1929 - June 18, 2013