Kenneth R. Funseth

Kenneth R. Funseth, age 77 of Park River, North Dakota passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.

Kenneth R. Funseth was born May 1, 1947 in Park River, North Dakota the son of the late Lillian (Levine) Funseth.  He attended high school in Park River.  After his education, Kenneth began working for area farmers helping with potatoes.  He also worked as a lumber jack, worked construction and worked for Marvin Windows in Warroad.  Kenneth was united in marriage to Viola (Pecka) Jelinek on January 17, 1981 in Grafton, North Dakota.  The couple made their home in Park River where he continued to work for area farmers.  After his retirement he helped raise his grandchildren.  He was a loving, caring, compassionate, faithful grandfather.  He loved them unconditionally just like they loved him unconditionally.  He was strong in his faith.  Kenneth’s love for God and Jesus was unconditional and stood on their name.

He loved to be with his family and had a love for animals, especially dogs.  He enjoyed reading his Bible, fishing and playing cards.

Kenneth is survived by his children:  Janie (Dean) Kram, Walhalla, ND; Laura (Randy Hummel) Jelinek, Drayton, ND; Robert Jelinek, Conway, ND; daughter-in-law, Teri Jo Jelinek, Park River, ND; grandchildren:  Cassy (Adam) Gebhardt, Daniel (Alyssa) Jelinek, Cody Melland, Rebecca (Cody) Behm, Emily Bratlie, Tanner Jelinek, Alexia (John Aulich) Langowski and Aidn Petersen; great grandson: Michael James Behm; sister, Helen Gosselin, Park River, ND; nieces: Mary Otto, Julie Gosselin and Tammy Gosselin; nephew, Donnie Gosselin.  Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive.  He was preceded in death by his mother Lillian, wife Viola, son Timothy Jelinek, aunt Margaret Ogden, uncle and aunt Mike and Donna Nissen and nephew Richard Gosselin.

Memorial services will be Friday, May 31, 2024 at 4:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be at the St. Mark’s Catholic Cemetery, Conway, North Dakota.