Kenneth D. Englund, age 84, of Isanti died May 17, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 22nd at Long Lake Lutheran Church in rural Isanti. A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Sunday, May 21st AT LONG LAKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, and also one hour prior to the funeral Monday at the church. Interment will be in Long Lake Community Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Cambridge American Legion and the National Guard.
Kenneth Donald Englund passed away on May 17, 2017 at the age of 84 years old surrounded by his loving family.
Survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jean Englund, Son Jimmy (Wendy) Englund, Daughters; Carol Fleischer and Carrie (Mitch) Borchardt. Grandchildren; Jay (Amanda) Englund, Justin Anderson, Kendra Fleischer, Heather Anderson, and Kaitlin Fleischer. Great Grandchildren; Kaid and Evelyn, Brother Ernie (Betty) Englund and sister in law Kareen Englund.
Preceded in death by Grandson Andy Englund, Son in Law Ron Fleischer, Parents Peter And Edna Englund, and 10 brothers & 2 sisters Albert, Annie, Minnie, Wilfred, Wilfred, Clarence, Clifford, Aleck, Arnold, Alton, Carl and Richard.
Kenneth was the 13th child out of 14 children born to Peter & Edna Englund. Kenneth was raised on the family farm near Long Lake where the Englund family settled in 1912 after immigrating from Sweden.
Kenny served in the Army for 2 years and the day he came home his friends had a race car ready and waiting for him. He called and cancelled a date with Jean to go racing. He would eventually become a champion stock car racer in the number 75. He could drive anything and if it was broken he could fix it.
He operated Englund Trucking for 26 years – hauling cattle and freight. He was also a farmer and enjoyed doing this for many years. In addition to operating a business, he served on the Bradford Township Board for 47 years. He was one of the longest standing town board members in the State of Minnesota.
He operated the Englund Threshing show for over 10 years. He made many friends from near and far, who would soon become life-long friends!
Kenny and his dog Cubby made the National news for trying to protect his neighbor’s property. He always stood up for what was right and wanted everyone else to do the same. He worked hard for everything that he had!
Kenny & Jean’s 5-bedroom farm house became a home for so many. It was always warm, there was food on the table, and coffee in the pot. The door was always open – and many memories were made around the kitchen table.
Kenny had a special love for his family. He loved animals, nature, and anything he could do in the garden. Kenny enjoyed traveling to threshing shows and polka dancing with his wife Jean!
As Kenny would say, “You can’t just follow, you’ve got to get around in front.” He lived this in all that he did, working hard and having a passion for life!
He was an icon in our community and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him!
Our sincere condolences to you, Jean and family. Memories go back to the years when Kenny trucked our livestock in the “good old days” and the livestock meetings Vern had with Kenny. Long live his legacy and God Bless his memory. Vern and Betty Schlipp
Our sincere condolences to the family of Kenneth Englund.
This world has lost a wonderful man who’s contagious smile and witty humor always brought a smile. Kenny you will be dearly missed by all who loved you.
So many wonderful memories… I can say that I have been truly blessed to have known Kenny. He always had a smile and a hug to share – even during during the ‘sodbuster’ days. :)
He will be greatly missed by many!
Carol,
Your dad was such an honorable man personally and professionally. I am so impressed by what he accomplished in his life. I am so sorry for your loss of your dad. I know how much you cared for him. Please know that I am praying for you and your family during this very sad time.
Your friend,
Kimberlee
Anoka County
I remember Kenny from back in the 60’s – 90’s, racing at Princeton Speedway. Those were really the good old days! I don’t remember him ever getting angry when things didn’t go his way. He was really a racing icon! I know my dad, Paul Hjelm, considered Kenny a great friend. So sorry for the loss of a great man!
So sad to hear of Kenny’s passing. Joe and I send our heartfelt prayers and condolences to you, Jean and the whole family. We won’t be able to attend due to health reasons, but will be there in spirit. Joe has many memories from the early to mid ’60s with your family. Trucking, farming, stock car racing, and other good times celebrating whatever. He especially remembers being involved painting a Crossly station wagon body car a “military electrical box blue” with white letters. He relates that it had a custom interior chassis. He added that it was strong and fast. I have always appreciated Ken’s handwritten updates along with Christmas cards. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the last one answered. They rightfully say, it is so important to say and do while there still
is time. Clearly, Ken did just that.
It was an honor to get to know Kenny Englund through his lovely family. I’m grateful for all he did in the Isanti community and for what he stood for. He was always so kind to me and I appreciated that. I also really appreciated that he was the father to some of my best friends. He created a family that had strong values, kind hearts and a ‘git R dun’ attitude. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on.
Jean & Family, So sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing. Will remember him as a nice, funny “Bradford Guy.”
We won’t be attending the funeral, but know you are in our thoughts.
Chet and Carol Leider
I know how loved Kenny was by his family and the community. I hope happy memories can use the pain of loss for all that cared and loved Kenny. My deepest sympathy to the whole Englund Family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Kenny was such a big personality and such a staple of our community…he will be greatly missed. Our hearts are with Jean and the rest of the family.
Jean, Jimmy, Carol and Carrie,
So hard to hear your news. I hold in my heart so much respect for Kenny and the family he built. A man of honor and kindness. I remember the days of him grading the roads and waving to us kids around the farm. Can’t say I ever saw him without a toothpick in his mouth and a smile and good word to share, with a little bit of that mid-western Swedish twang of course. Wishing you the best as you celebrate a great man and great life.
Jean and Famlily ,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you.
I still rememberworking for Kenny driving truck in the 80’s.
And memories of the Threshing show as well.
He would always say I will race you home me in the brigadeer and Him driving the Propane Chev, and yes he always beat me.
You are in my thoughts and Prayers.