Age 76 of Inver Grove Heights, formerly Minneapolis, MN
Ken passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 25, 2023.
Preceded in death by parents William Rich and Pearl Johnson Rich, and step-mother Bernice Rich. Survived by his wife of 54 years, Leota Enevoldsen Rich, children Andrea Winter (Eric) of Savage, Tony Rich (Michelle) of Cottage Grove; Grandchildren Wade, Nina, Garrett, and Avery; Brother Vernon Rich of Mesa Arizona. Step-family Barb (John) Mack, Kathy (Wally) Anderson, and John Gutwald, and many other family & friends.
Ken was born on April 6, 1946 to William and Pearl Rich in Minneapolis. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1964 and went on to attend St. Paul Technical Vocational Institute and Dunwoody Institute. Ken served in the US Marine Corps from June 1966 – April 1969, including two tours in Vietnam. Ken married the love of his life Leota Enevoldsen on November 22, 1969 and they went on to have two children Andrea and Tony. Ken started his mechanic career at LaSalle Cartage in St. Paul and then spent twenty-one years at Northwest Airlines.
Ken was a “Jack of All Trades” and spent his life fixing things. He had an incredibly strong work ethic and was often heard saying “If you’re going to do it, do it right”. His proudest car restoration was a 1964 Jaguar XKE, that he rebuilt from the frame up.
Throughout his life, Ken encouraged and mentored others about his passions. He loved coaching youth baseball for Minnehaha Falls Athletic Club and he fulfilled a lifetime dream when he established a habitat for pheasants in Clark South Dakota. Ken and Leota spent many summers with good friends at on Elephant Lake and fishing in Canada.
Family and friends were everything to Ken. He was a proud Dad, Grandfather and Uncle. Once a friend of Ken’s, you were a friend for life. He cherished these relationships and took extra effort to keep in touch. Whether it was an annual hunting or fishing trip, cruising a car show, or weekly coffee with the “boys”, Ken was the most loyal and committed friend.
Ken was best known for his smile. He had a special gift of making those around him laugh and was known for his great sense of humor and entertaining stories. He made everyone feel included and he was always watching out for the underdog.
Ken was a great inspiration to all of us, especially during the last few years of his life. He infused his life with positivity and gratitude, grounded in his faith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to:
Clark County Pro Pheasants
c/o Robert Steffen
100 4th Avenue Northwest, Clark SD 57225
Or
Good Shephard Lutheran Church
https://goodshepherdigh.com/giving/
Visitation Tuesday, March 7th from 4:00-7:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Service Wednesday, March 8th at 10:30 am at Good Shephard Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:30-10:30 am prior to service at church. Celebration Lunch to follow services. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.