Kenneth (Ken) H. Fjerstad, 87, of Lanesboro, Minn., and formerly Hayfield, Minn., passed away on April 16, 2026, at St. Marys Hospital after a hard-fought battle with injuries from a car accident.
Ken was born August 23, 1938, at his family’s farm in Dodge County, Minn., the son of Emma and Selmer Fjerstad. He married his wife Barbara on July 12, 1958, and shortly after made their home on a farm in Hayfield, where they raised their three children: Brian, Jodi, and Jill, as well as many horses, cats, dogs, and even a raccoon.
Ken is remembered as a proud and adoring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He found joy in a country western song, polka dancing, tending to his land, attending auctions, driving his tractors, and hunting with his family. He was known to always lend a helping hand to any friend and neighbor, assisting many with a farm or carpentry project, and to always clear his lap for a grandkid or cat to sit on.
Ken is survived by his loving family: his wife for nearly 70 years, Barbara; his three children: Brian (Eva) Fjerstad, Jodi Bailey (Robert Plombon), and Jill (Michael) Dougherty; his six grandchildren: Anne (Chad) Meurer, Amber (Bryce) Boynton, Clinton (Michaela) Fjerstad, Jensen Bailey, Gracie (Nathan) Seidel, and Gabriel Dougherty; and his nine great-grandchildren: Brooks and Evelyn Meurer; Cheyenne, Corey, Chase, Claire, Camryn and Clyde Boynto, and Matthew Fjerstad; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mike and Lonnie Jensen and their families; his neighbors and dear friends Gail Harty and Mike Derouin; his sweet orange cat Otis, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his siblings Betty, Don, Farrell, Glenda, Judy, LaVonne, Richard and Sterling “Buddy”; his mother and father Emma and Selmer Fjerstad, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Wallace and Artys “Jean” Jensen.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, Minn., with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Lanesboro Fire Dept, P.O. Box 333, Lanesboro, MN 55949 or a charity of your choice.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Fjerstad family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
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