Kenneth Langmade, age 99, of East Bethel, died Aug. 28, 2025. Memorial service 2:00 PM Saturday, Sept. 6th at Strike Life Tributes, 409 Broadway St SE, Isanti. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Ken was a Proud WWII Navy Seabees Veteran. Ken spent 79 years assisting military families, including welcoming home and deployment ceremonies with the National Guard, thru the Kraus-Hartig VFW Post #6587. Military Honors will be provided by Kraus-Hartig VFW Post #6587.
Kenneth Wayne Langmade was born July 29, 1926 to Wayne and Edith (Holms) Langmade. Ken grew up in the St. Francis area and graduated from Elk River High School.
Growing up north of the metro, he went to serve his country in World War 2. From 1944 to 1946 he served with the 52nd Naval Construction Battalion as a seaman first class. He was in the South Pacific building air landing strips and repairing roads on the islands American forces took on their march toward Japan.
Ken married Janette Gardner on November 4, 1950 at West Bethel Methodist Church in East Bethel. They lived in Minneapolis and Blaine until 2005 when they moved to East Bethel.
Ken was a very decorated and active member of East Bethel. Ken was honored as the Grand Marshal of the East Bethel Days parade 2010. In 2003 he was given the “Patriotic Citizen Award”.
In 2004 he was one of eight people who were recognized as “Community Heroes” by the Creating Communities organization. In 2009 Ken was awarded the “Special Medallion for Excellence” by the 13th Psychological Operations Battalion. This medallion is given to an individual that has done great things, above and beyond what others have done.
Ken has been of member of the Kraus Harting VFW Post 6587 for over 50 years, serving as Quartermaster for 20 years, a District Inspector for 22 years, State Inspector for six years, and Post Commander. He has been given two National VFW Appointments by the State VFW Commander, and several awards for the work that he has done for the VFW.
Ken is survived by wife, Janette; children, Steven (Marilyn) Langmade, Linda (Brian) Mundle, Lawrence Langmade, and Susan (Richard) Hewitt; 4 siblings, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and other relatives and friends. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, a great grandson, and 6 siblings.
I am Kenny‘s younger sister. My earliest remembrances. of Kenny is when he came home from service and was dressed in his navy uniform and he and Lyle were swinging Ellie and I around on the yard down on our farm down by elk River. Gloria and Kenny both went to elk River high school and graduated from there. I have always admired Kenny for his knowledge of electronics. He provided our family with the First TV set back in the 50s. I am now 87 years old and will be unable to travel to Minnesota for his funeral but I will be there in mind. Love him so much 🌷🙏🌷
Sending much Love and Prayer for Comfort to all the Family for the “earthly loss” of Uncle Kenny. I know Heaven is Now truly rejoicing in his presence! ❤️❤️❤️
I grieve but know that I am/was Honored to call him “Uncle”. I have not known a more kind, generous, thoughtful, Proud but Humble person. ❤️❤️❤️
Love you Forever and Always Kenny and Janette!!
I knew Ken a lot of years through our work and play at our VFW,s. His being Karus-Hartig mine Being Blaine.Ken worked very hard for his post and all Veterans. Ken I salute you with gratitude for your years of dedication. God Bless
Fair Winds and Following Seas sailor! Thank you and your generation for your selfless service making the world a safer place for humanity.