Kenneth Richard Kiesow

Kenneth Richard Kiesow was born to Eleanor Christoferson Kiesow and Kenneth Shelby Kiesow on Sept. 26, 1941, in Pipestone, Minn. He was raised and educated in Pipestone. He, along with his family, later moved to Menomonee Falls, Wis., where he graduated from high school in 1959. Soon after graduation, Ken joined the Army at the age of 17, and he spent one year stationed in Korea. He completed his service in 1961, after which he went to work for the Village of Menomonee Falls.

On Aug. 7, 1962, Ken met Eileen Kestell at the Fireman's Picnic in Cascade, Wis. They were married three years later on Oct. 2, 1965. In 1966, Ken began working for the Vollrath Company, located in Sheboygan, Wis. There in Sheboygan, the first child, Ken, was born followed by Kelly, Tim and Nicole. In 1974, Ken was asked to lead the Vollrath cookware division in Clarksville, Tenn. Their fifth child, Matthew, was born there in 1979. One more move would take the family to Billings in 1981, where Ken and Eileen ran several businesses until their retirement in 2007.

Ken was a natural and avid golfer who competed in several amateur tournaments, winning multiple long-drive events. He would always say, "Drive for show. Putt for dough," and he could do both! He was also an excellent table tennis player from his days in the Army, and he loved woodworking of any kind. Ken made furniture for his family, which is still used to this day, and he also made several muskets. When we fired one of them at a range, he quipped as we struggled to pack the powder, "We sure would be in trouble if the redcoats were coming." Ken also loved to hunt with both his dad and his sons. He hunted deer, antelope and elk with varying degrees of success.

Ken was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son and brother, and he will be dearly missed.

Ken died peacefully while surrounded and embraced by his loving wife of 51 years and kids on Sunday, March 26, 2017. His long battle with Lewy Body dementia now over, we entrust him to the loving care of our Lord Jesus Christ and Blessed Mother Mary.

Ken was preceded in death by his daughter, Nicole; his parents, Ken and Eleanor; his sister, Kathleen; sister Sue Catel (John); and brother-in-law Donald "Mike" Kestell. He is survived by his wife, Eileen; his children, Ken, Kelly Sangwin (Michael), Tim (Stormi) and Matthew (Becky). He is also survived by his sisters, Sandra Daniel, Karla Skelton (Rand), Kristine Fitzpatrick (Tim), Tondi Tillman and Patti Kiesow. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 30, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 220 Wicks Lane, Billings.