Kenneth Reynolds

West Fargo

Kenneth Hardin Reynolds, 84, of West Fargo, formerly of New Town, North Dakota, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, surrounded by his loving family.

Ken was born on September 9, 1941, to Hardin and Evelyn Reynolds in Sanish, North Dakota. He graduated from New Town High School in 1959 and went on to attend North Dakota State University, where he completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies.

On May 21, 1966, Ken married the love of his life, Jolene Beringer. Shortly after their marriage, they joined the Peace Corps, beginning a life of service and commitment to others.

Ken and Jolene raised four children: Todd (Deb), Craig (Becky), Andrea (Milt Aus), and Jennifer (Eric Iverson). They were blessed with ten grandchildren: Hayden Reynolds, Ryan Reynolds, Nicholas (Becca) Reynolds, Jenalee (Branson) Lucas, Malina Reynolds, Hunter Aus, Gavin Aus, Kylie Aus, Gabe Iverson, and Alex Iverson; and two great-granddaughters, Avery Reynolds and Kennedy Aus.

After returning from the Peace Corps, Ken worked for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (now known as FSA) in Rolla and Bottineau, North Dakota. In 1977, the family moved to New Town, where Ken joined his father at the Reynolds Insurance Agency. Ken proudly worked and owned Reynolds Insurance for 39 years, retiring at the age of 75.

In 2016, Ken and Jolene moved to the Fargo area, building a home in West Fargo, where they continued to reside.

Ken genuinely loved people. He was deeply involved in community events, programs and development, always striving to leave things better than he found them. Faith and family were at the center of his life. As a father, he never missed a game or a concert, and he remained actively involved in all of his grandchildren’s lives. Ken loved sports in every season and for every team, but he was a Bison through and through. He read the newspaper daily, told the best stories, and served as a steady, positive role model for his children and grandchildren.

In 2015, Ken was diagnosed with end-stage kidney cancer. He faced his diagnosis with determination, faith, and an unwavering positive outlook. After six years of chemotherapy, his cancer was stable and he returned to his regular activities. His resilience and discipline helped him overcome numerous health challenges. More recently, he encountered several serious health issues, yet he continued to face them with faith in God, strength, keeping meticulous records, following doctors’ orders, and maintaining his trademark optimism. These qualities defined how Ken lived and are the legacy he leaves behind.

Ken is survived by his wife, Jolene; his four children; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his sister, MaryAnn (Reggie) Starr; nephews Tyrone (Susan) Miller and Chad (Bobbi) Miller; and several close cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ken will be remembered for his faith, kindness, positive spirit, strength in adversity, his ability to find joy in everyday life – and of course his laugh.

Visitation: Friday, January 2, 2026 from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Funeral Service: Friday, January 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Interment: Riverview Cemetery, New Town, ND.

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 31, 2025.