Kenneth Gale Henrikson

Kenneth Gale Henrikson, 86 of Bemidji, MN was called home peacefully on April 27, 2021, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.  He was surrounded by family by his bedside, and all others surrounding him in thought and prayers on that early morning journey to our Lord. He will forever have everlasting peace and comfort.

Ken was born October 12, 1934 to Martin and Ruby Henrikson, in Viroqua, WI. He was one of 4 children. He was raised in Viroqua on a farm, working along side his family, until he left to go off to  college. Ken was an avid football player, and was the quarterback for Bemidji State University in 1953. He then decided he wanted to go into the Air Force, so in 1954, he did just that. He was able to stay for a couple of years, until his father passed away, and Ken needed to come back home to the farm to help his mother. Ken later went back to school at BSU, and again was the quarterback of the football team. He lettered in football in 1954, 1957 and 1958. He was also named All-NIC in 1957 and 1958 and was in the All American Nominee Pool in 1958. Ken also played baseball at BSU, which he also lettered in while there. Ken is now inducted into the BSU Hall of Fame.  After Ken's college days, he continued on coaching high school football, baseball and wrestling.

Ken was an avid fisherman and loved going out of Leech Lake fishing with friends and his family. He never missed a fishing opener and may not have caught anything, but came home with the best stories. He also loved hunting, spending time out west hunting pheasants, geese and elk. He had a couple of close friends that he thoroughly enjoyed spending time in the blind and in the hunting shack.

Ken loved his family with all his being. His eyes lit up when he spoke of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. He loved to hear about his granddaughters dance and volleyball games, his grandsons football, hockey and soccer games, and the pure joy on his face when he spoke of Elliot. He was so proud of everything they did, and always had some words of wisdom. He was an amazing Grandfather to them all.

Ken is survived by his wife, Marianne. Daughters Kendra (Chris) Wiesemeyer and Lisa (Tom) Bowen and their children Henrik, Elliot, Richmond, Helene and Diana. His Bonus daughters Stephanie (Patrick) Brown and Kari (Rod) Aldoff, and their children Ryan, Karleigh, Leandra, Katie, Jonathan and Liam. 2 sisters and several nieces and nephews. He is also leaving behind his beloved dogs Taz and Peta.

As his family, we would like to thank all of his "sitters" that took such loving care of him. You treated him with such love and dignity. We greatly appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. We will forever be indebted to you all! We know that Ken would have been so humbled by all the love and amazing care he received from each and every one of you. We also want to thank Trillium for the care he received over the past couple of weeks. We couldn't have done it without you!

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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