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July 31, 1953-Oct. 5, 2026
Minot
Kenneth Leo Aberle, 73, Minot, ND, passed away on October 5, 2026, surrounded by his close family at Trinity Hospital, Minot, ND.
Kenny was born July 31, 1953, the last of 7 children to Tony and Anna (Feist) Aberle. They lived in Karlsruhe, ND, followed by "Radio City", which is now south Minot. He went to school at St. Leo's and Minot High School. After high school, Kenny began a lifelong career in carpentry. He would spend a few years in Houston, Texas, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, stacking cash by working long hours and exploring various work opportunities in those warm weather locations.
He eventually found his way back to the Minot area. During his 20s, he had a lot of cars, a lot of dogs, and a lot of fun. He would hunt and fish often and shared that love of the outdoors with many people along the way.
On August 1, 1981, he was united in marriage to Lori Kabanuk. They had two beautiful girls Jenny Lynn, born in 1983 and Kayla Ann, born in 1988. The girls adored their dad and the feeling was mutual; he was a proud dad. Kenny had a rich family life with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Kenny knew a lot of people, some friends felt like family.
He worked for Jessen Roofing, Abel Builders, Ready Builders and finally Real Builders with his cousin Joel Feist. There were several big projects with Real Builders, like Minot Air Force Base housing. He was a gifted builder and woodsman. There is no way to count the side jobs and projects he had a hand in. Kenny could fix anything, to say he was handy is an understatement. He often helped friends and family with ideas and projects they had big and small. He was practical, reliable, honest, easy-going while on time, sweet, kind and sometimes grumpy. He was all seven dwarfs rolled into one.
Kenny could tell a story!!! Ice fishing, hunting, dangling from rafters, they were tall tales that seemed to never end. His ability to break the ice and lighten the mood were second to none. He was just so incredibly funny and entertaining. His interests were many; a passion for him was collecting and trading guns. He had great appreciation for the outdoors. There were many fun memories made for his seven grandkids with slip-n-slides, golf cart rides, paddle boats, yard games, giant lawn chairs and bonfires. He often quietly set up something fun and interesting for the kids to enjoy when the family got together, which was a common occurrence especially at his hobby farm in Antler, ND.
He retired in 2018 and then took it upon himself to basically be a spokesperson for Antler, ND. He admired and enjoyed the Antler Outlaws very much. In fact, I think he is an honorary member. He would fill his days with creative woodworks, milling raw lumber, gardening, suppers at The Cabin restaurant, rodeo, hunting and spending time with family. He loved to feed and see the wildlife, especially his birds. Sitting by the creek was a favorite pastime.
He is survived by: his wife of 45 years, Lori Aberle; children, Jenny (Johannes) Olwage, and Kayla (Chris) Pross; grandchildren, Zuri Olwage, Kai Olwage, Esti Olwage, Leo Pross, Owen Pross, Ivy Olwage and Evan Pross; siblings, Delores (Mel) Gefroh, Elaine Niess, Marcy Watson, Clarence (Amy) Aberle; sister-in-law, Karen (Clint) Beeter; brother-in-law, Ron Pennazoli; and numerous cousins nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Anna Aberle; siblings, Dennis and Kathy Aberle, and Sally and Bennie Mosser; sisters-in-law, Sheila Rioux and Rhonda Pennazoli; and brother-in-law, Leo Neiss.
Memorial Service: Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 2:00 pm at First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Visitation: Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompson larson.com).
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 14, 2026.