Kenneth Radenz

Eagan, Minn.

Kenneth LaVerne Radenz, 89, Eagan, MN passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026 in his home.

Kenneth was born February 18, 1937 in Flaxton, ND; son of Clarence and Viola Radenz. Ken graduated from Flaxton High School in 1955.

He married Marlys Larsen, his high school sweetheart, Sept 22, 1957 at the Lutheran Church in Flaxton, ND. Ken and Marlys had 3 children, Vicki, Nancy, and Scott. Ken moved his family to Grand Forks, ND when he began working for National Cash Register Company. While working for NCR he attended schools in Morrison, Colorado and Dayton, Ohio. With NCR, Ken and Marlys moved to Jamestown, ND where they raised their family. Ken later worked for Wil-Rich out of Wapheton, ND. He owned and operated Frontier Western Shop, in Jamestown, ND for many years. He and Marlys later returned to Bowbells to farm the family land. They spent many years living in Bowbells, ND, and Minot, ND before settling in Eagan, MN to be closer to their children.

Ken was an active member of the Jamestown Jaycees and Jamestown Elks Lodge. He was an avid horseman and enjoyed riding through the Badlands of North Dakota. He participated in local play days and horse shows, organized trail rides, and once drove a covered wagon as part of a historical Fort Seward Wagon Train in North Dakota. He enjoyed serving many years as the Secretary of the North Dakota Quarter Horse Association. He spent many winters working at and attending the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City, ND. In addition, Ken was a long time member and supporter of the ND Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora, ND. He relished his time serving as a page in the North Dakota State Capital in Bismarck, ND. He also served as a Burke County Commissioner, was a Burke County Social Service Board Member, and an Executive Committee Member of the North Dakota Association of Oil & Gas Producing Counties.

Ken and Marlys loved to travel visiting various locations across the US and Canada, often visiting their grandsons. They were also snowbirds and headed to Mesa, AZ during the winter months.

His caring and supportive family includes: Vicki Dooley (Robert) of Minneapolis, MN, Nancy Giffen (Ralph) of Manassas, VA, Scott Radenz of Eagan, MN, grandsons, Benjamin and Alexander; and sister Carol Radenz of Williston, ND. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Marlys, parents Clarence and Viola, sister Beverly Barchenger, and brother Lawrence Radenz.

Ken will be laid to rest in Flaxton, ND.

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 2, 2026.