Kenneth J. Mantei

Kenneth “Ken” J. Mantei, 75, of Glyndon, MN, passed away, Sunday, June 23, 2024, in the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Fargo. ND

Kenneth Joe Mantei was born December 19, 1948, the son of Marcel and Bessie (Leach) Mantei in Cando, ND. He was raised on a farm near Egeland and graduated from Egeland (ND) High School in 1967. After completing his education, Ken served in the US Army from November 1968 to August 1970 during the Vietnam War. Following his discharge from the Army, Ken moved to Fargo, ND. 

On November 13, 1971, Kenneth was united in marriage to Kathleen Morgel in St. Francis Xaiver Catholic Church in Anamoose, ND. Together they established their home in Fargo where Ken began his career working for Fargo Excavating and in 1974 transitioned to the City of Moorhead Public Works Department. With steadfast commitment, he devoted 35+ years to the department and eventually retired as foreman of the water crew. In 1977, Ken and Kathy settled in Glyndon where they made their home and raised their daughters, Carla and Cheryl. After his retirement from the city, Ken and Kathy co-founded Agassiz Water Services with friends Doug and Melissa Zeis, a company which replaced and repaired water meters and fire hydrants. 

Ken, along with his wife, Kathy, attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Dilworth. He also held a longstanding membership of IBEW Local #1426.

In his leisure time Ken found solace in hunting, fishing, woodworking and was very mechanically inclined. For many years he also enjoyed bowling in the men’s league and couples’ league alongside Kathy. Additionally, he was a member of the Nash Car Club, and took great joy in restoring his 1954, Nash Rambler. 

Ken will be deeply missed by his wife, Kathleen; daughters, Carla (Steve) Sorenson, Sheboygan, WI, and Cheryl (Joshua) Ricard, Albany, MN; foster son, Hoang (Mary) Nguyen, League City, TX; grandchildren, Jordan (Andrew) Skogrand, Rebecca (Zachary) Petrowsky, Dawson and Josophine Sorenson. Jonah, Viola and Isabel Ricard, and Justin, Alaina, and Brittney Nguyen; great-grandchildren, Easton, Marly, and Caelum Skogrand and Bentley Nguyen; brother, Robert (Peggy) Mantei, Fairbanks, AK; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marcel “Sonny” Mantei; and sister, Beatrice Benson.

A Visitation for Kenneth will be held Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, with a 7:30 PM Prayer Service in St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church 

His Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM in St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Dilworth, MN. He will be laid to rest in Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND. 

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)