Kenneth Irish

Kenneth A. Irish, 74, a resident of Fergus Falls, passed away at Lake Region Hospital on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022.

He was born on December 27th, 1947 in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the son of Jesse Franklin Irish and Corrine Pederson. He attended school in Waubun, Minnesota graduating in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1967. Kenny served for four years, stationed in South Korea and Berlin, Germany. He had high aptitude test results and served for the Army Security Agency, having one of the highest security clearances the military had at that time. He received the Army Occupation Medal (Berlin), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

On May 8th, 1970, Ken married Kathleen Anderson in Berlin, Germany. To this union three children were born.

After his service, Ken lived in Fargo and attended Moorhead State University, eventually earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and Business Administration in 1974.

Over the years, Ken had numerous sales jobs, working at Rott-Keller Supply Co., Steiger Tractor, and Wahpeton Canvas. In 1992, he opened his own business in Fergus Falls called RS&M. He put in many long hours building the business and relationships. He sold canvas wholesale and also made custom tarps for his clients. He loved all his customers and was quick with a joke and loved visiting with them. He retired in 2015 to spend more time with his horses and dogs at his 30-acre lot near Erhard, Minnesota, which he adored. He absolutely loved his animals and was well known as an “animal whisperer” to his children. He enjoyed just sitting at the land, enjoying the quiet peace and serenity of it all. He also enjoyed gardening and fencing. He put in long hours of fence repair and took pride in his work. Ken loved his little cabin in the woods, which he would he spent many hours relaxing in. He also adored the NDSU Bison, being glued to the television when they played. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor. Even at the end when he wasn’t feeling well, he wouldn’t hesitate to crack a funny joke. He had a big heart and would have given the shirt off his back to help others. He was a member of the Fergus Falls VFW #612, and was proud of his military service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Irish and Corrine (Leonard) Pazdernik and sister, Joanne. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Irish of Fergus Falls; son, Dylan (Heidi) Irish of Wahpeton, ND, daughter, Sarah (Justin) Freking of Erhard; son, Mark (Ivy Zelinsky) Irish of Fergus Falls; brothers, Dwight Irish and Doug (Julie) Irish both of Erhard; brother, Charlie (Debbie) Pazdernik of Waubun; sister, Lori (Brad) Francis of Mahnomen; brother, David (Nan) Pazdernik of Indiana; grandchildren, Emily and Wyatt Irish, Cali, Carter and Claire Freking and numerous nieces, nephews, and family.

Blessed be the memory of Kenneth Allen Irish

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2022, at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, with a prayer service and time of sharing at 6:30 p.m.
Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com