Kenneth Roark

Carpio

Kenneth W. Roark, 72, Carpio, ND, passed away Monday, April 24, 2023, at his home.

Kenneth (Ken) Wayne Roark was born July 17, 1950, to proud parents Floyd and Rachel (Smith) Roark, in London, Kentucky. He was raised and educated in London, Kentucky, graduating from Lily High School in 1968.

Following high school, Ken spent two years working construction before enlisting into the United States Air Force in March 1970. After completing basic training he was assigned to Minot AFB, ND, as an Aviation Fuels Specialist.

While assigned in Minot, he met the love of his life and was united in marriage to Barbara Lynn Williams in Williston, ND, on May 6, 1971. They were blessed with two children, Michael and Candice. In December 1973 he was assigned to Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, as a Fuels Accountant and Section Supervisor. In September 1974 Ken returned to Minot AFB, ND. He earned an Associates of Science degree in Electric Power Systems through the Community College of the Air Force in 1982. Ken proudly served his country during Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Desert Shield. He was honorably discharged as Chief Master Sergeant in March 1992.

Following his retirement from USAF, Ken began serving with the United States Civil Service as a Missile Engineering Inspector before transferring to Rivet Mile as General Manager. After 16 years of civil service, Ken retired once again in 2008. In total Ken proudly dedicated 38 years to his country.

Ken also served his local community as a member of the Carpio City Council and was an EMT for the Carpio Ambulance. Ken enjoyed carpenter work, building everything from playgrounds for his grandkids to houses for both of his children. He also loved to help Mike on the farm throughout the years.

Ken felt closest to God while watching the morning sunrise, fishing on the lake, and saw Him in each of his grandchildren’s eyes. Some of Ken’s past times were playing softball, bowling, hunting, and he had a love for fixing up old cars. Ken especially loved to spend Friday nights under the lights watching his 3 grandsons play football and attended countless other sports activities for all six grandkids such as volleyball, basketball, baseball, etc. Above all those, his favorites were spending time with grandkids, shooting pool with friends and fishing. Over the last decade, Barb & Ken spent the summers enjoying Van Hook and traveling to the Black Hills in South Dakota.

Ken is survived by: Barbara, wife of 52 years; children, Michael (Stephanie) Roark, Berthold ND, Candice (Kevin) Asmundson, Berthold ND; grandchildren, Emily Roark, Lyvia (Garrett Picard) Roark, Mason Roark, Brennan Asmundson, Hank Asmundson, Haddie Asmundson; great-grandchildren, Easton Gallagher and Jack Picard; brother, Aaron (Debbie) Roark, London, KY; sisters, EllaMae Pence, Rockholds, KY, Jewona Roark, London, KY; brother-in-law Dale Stidham, London, KY; sisters-in-law Gail (Clark) Hagen, Alamo, ND, Karen Ellenbecker, Williston, ND, and Kathy Williams, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd & Rachel Roark; brothers Troy Roark, Ellis Roark, Amos Roark, Adam Roark, sister Janet Stidham, infant sister Durley Roark, mother and father-in-law Doug and Janet Williams, brother-in-law Kurt Williams.

Funeral: Monday, May 1, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Berthold.

Interment: Monday at 3 p.m. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Visitation: Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Family Prayer Service: Sunday at 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Zion Lutheran Church website: www.zionberthold.com.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 28, 2023.