Kenneth Kautzman

Kenneth E. Kautzman (Kenny) 77, passed away in his home after a courageous battle with cancer on April 15, 2014.

Kenny was loved by all who knew him. Those who knew Kenny have been forever changed by his kindness, compassion and generous nature.

Kenny was born on November 14, 1936 in Yakima, Wash to the parents of Eugene and Elizabeth Kautzman. In 1945, the family moved to Mandan, ND where Kenny attended elementary through high school. After graduating from High School, Kenny entered into the Navy where he was stationed in Pensicola, Florida serving 2 years and then was stationed over seas. Kenny finished his Military Service retiring from the Army National Guard in Fargo. Kenny was a member of the West Fargo VFW.

On July 10, 1957 Kenny Kautzman married Shirley Magelki in Mandan, ND. Together they had four children. Kenny and his family re-located to Fargo, ND in 1989 where he continued his employment with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad retiring after more than 20 years. In 1990, Kenny's wife Shirley Kautzman passed away.

Kenny married Ruth (Vollen) Fealy on April 13, 1991 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Fargo, they resided in South Fargo. 

Kenny enjoyed bird watching, gardening with Ruth, taking several trips to Fleet Farm, get togethers with his friends and family, playing piano, playing with the children in Ruth's in home day care, tending to the flowers at home, at church and participating in several activites at the church such as singing in the choir (20 yrs) and helping with serving meals and Sunday coffee. Kenny loved listening to and taking care of the Martins in his back yard. He also looked forward to weekly get togethers with his dear friends from the Guard, the Railroad and Adesa, where he drove cars, greeted people and served popcorn. 

Kenny is preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley (1990), his parents, two brothers, a sister and Aunts/Uncles. 

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Kautzman and by his three sons: Robert of Phil, PA, Kent (Jill) of Bismarck and Kevin (Julie) of Mandan and one daughter JoAnne (Teresa) of Phoenix, AZ. 

Also surviving are Ruth's four children: Grant (Raylene) Fealy of Colorado Springs, CO, Deb Schultz, Greg Fealy, Dee Fealy all of Fargo. Twelve grand children and 2 great grand children. 

Kenny is also survived by his brothers Eugene (Cindi) Kautzman of Mandan, Dennis (Carol) of Washington and his four sisters: Marge (Ray) of Mandan, Sharyn (John) of Fargo, Bette Gene (Steve) AZ and Mary Jane (Ken) of Bismarck, also  by numerous wonderful nieces and nephews. 

Kenny will be laid to rest at Mandan Union Cemetery.