Kenneth Rostad

kenneth rostad

Kenneth O. Rostad, 84, Fargo formerly Kindred, N.D., passed away Tuesday, November 29 at Edgewood Vista Senior Living and Retirement, Fargo.

Ken was born July 5, 1927 to Otto and Clara (Lokken) Rostad in Fargo. Ken graduated from Colfax High School in 1945 before entering the service in January, 1946. He served in Japan before moving to Colfax for a short time and finally Fargo where he attended NDSU.

Ken married Maxine Grant at Gol Lutheran Church on September 1, 1951. In 1954, Ken graduated from NDSU with a degree in Ag Econ and moved to Kindred where he farmed from 1954 to 2001. Ken went back to school, graduating in 1972 with a teaching degree and started teaching at Kindred High School where he taught Vocational Ag until 1979. He then worked at Kindred Implement until 1985. Ken retired in 1989.

Ken was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo. One of his passions was golfing. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, wintering in Arizona for several years and was a member of the American Legion in Kindred. He loved watching football, basketball and baseball.

Ken is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maxine; children, Kristi (Steve) Korsmo, Northwood, ND; Michael (Janet) Rostad, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Amy (Bryce) Boyd, Sioux Falls, SD; Grant (Kathryn) Korsmo, Grand Forks, ND; Christopher (Nikki) Rostad, Fargo, ND; Jordan Rostad, Fargo, ND, great-grandchildren, Owen and Eli Boyd, brother, John "Mike" (Vonnie) Rostad, West Fargo, ND; sister, Betty (Ray) Workin, Fargo, ND.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Gol Cemetery Fund, rural Kindred and/or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

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  1. Bismarck ND
    Sorry to hear of the passing of your father Michael.

    Growing up, Kenny Rostad was one of those rare bigger-than-life characters who had a presence that garners instant respect. Our class was a bit rowdy back in Kindred. Study halls in the cafeteria would get a bit loud – sometimes being heard down the hall in the Ag shops. Teachers would beg and cajole the students to quiet down to no avail. Suddenly a wave of silence would descend on the room. I’d look over at the door and there would be Mr. Rostad, quietly standing at the door with his arms crossed. He didn’t need to say a word. It was awesome.

    Mr Rostad felt shop safety very important. His first day demo was a cardboard cutout of a student placed against the wall. He’d insert a board into the improperly setup saw and zip – the board would fly across the room and embed itself in the wall, skewering the sample student indelicately crotch high. In his typically quiet manner, no further words were needed.

    Mr Rostad was a good man who taught us a lot with patience and good humor. Our deepest condolences to the entire Rostad family.

  2. A gentle giant of a man but you always knew where you stood with him. I remember talking with in the fall during beet season while we waited in line. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

  3. Northwood ND
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I so enjoyed visiting with Ken when he came to the shop. He was a kind gentle soft spoken man. Love. Anita & Orion

  4. Clear Lake SDWe send our sincere sympahthies to your family for the loss of Ken. We had the honor to meet Ken and Maxine when their granddaughter, Amy Korsmo, married our son, Bryce Boyd. I know how very much Amy loved her grandpa, and how concerned she was about his declining health. She was an angel for my family and me when my father, Bryce’s grandfather, died Mother’s Day. My dad was also a Kenneth, and now we have a very special little grandson and great-grandson with a middle name that honors his great grandfathers. May you remember Ken through your memories of the many special times you had together.

  5. Chandler AZ
    Kathy and I were so shocked to read that one of our dear Kindred friends has passed away! We feel blessed to have known Ken (& Max) for 35 years and even have taught with Ken.
    We wish to extend our sincere condolences to Maxine, Kristi, Michael and families.
    May he rest peacefully in God’s hands.

  6. Northwood ND
    Mick, Kris, Maxine and families: I am so sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing. I always thought a lot of him. I always enjoyed visiting with him when you would come to visit in Northwood. My sincere sympathy to you all. Tom and Jane

  7. We extend our deepest sympthay to your family. We have many fond memories of Ken. May God bless the memory of Ken.

  8. Mapleton ND
    While combining with Odegaards, Ken and I were leaning on the pickup chatting about farming, machinery, changes and harvests past. He told of being newly married, when funds were low, times were slim and how they got along. Summing up the whole view with “We’ve never had a lot, but always had enough. God has been good!” That evidence of gratitude is most impressive. May Ken’s big hands rest in Peace.

  9. Maxine and Family,

    So sorry to hear of Kenneth’s passing. He was a wonderful man and we feel very thankful for having had the chance to meet and spend some time with him. Even though those times were not often, we still do remember him fondly. He will be missed by many. Our condolences to you and your family.

    Chris and Duane Kroseman


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