Kenneth Roy Kriesel

Kenneth R. Kriesel, 86, left this world peacefully on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at the Centennial Villa Assisted Living Facility in Annandale, MN, after a long battle with dementia.

Born on May 10th, 1939, in Hudson, WI, Kenneth was the son of Roy and Irene Kriesel (Griep). He was the eldest of 12 children and grew up in the Minneapolis area, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for family. Before the age of 16, he left school to begin working and building a life for himself. He worked several jobs before becoming a Master Diesel Mechanic. He retired in 2004 from Peterbilt Trucking in St. Paul and spent his remaining years living in Motley, MN, until his dementia progressed to the point where he could no longer live independently at home.

In 1958, Kenneth married Carolyn Ockwig, and together they welcomed 5 children. He later married Maria Fischer (Martens) in 1980 and embraced his role as stepfather to her 3 children. Kenneth and Maria shared 41 years of marriage until her death on April 20th, 2022. He cherished family gatherings of all kinds, especially those centered around camping, hunting, and fishing.

Throughout his life, Kenneth had many passions, including gardening, growing a variety of plants and flowers, wildlife, tinkering with machinery and building his dream home. He was known for cracking jokes, and his sense of humor could light up any room.

He is survived by his children Diane Kriesel of Big Lake, MN; Dennis (Terri) Kriesel of Lake Shore, MN; Kimberly (Walter) Mainerich of Taconite, MN; and Rick Kriesel of Maple Grove, MN; his stepdaughter, Tina (Mike) Kahlhamer of Little Falls, MN; and stepson Neil Fischer of North Port, FL; as well as his siblings Richard (Sharon) Kriesel of Cushing, MN; Harold (Deb) Kriesel of Mankato, MN; Leroy (Aimie) Kriesel of Mounds View, MN; Nancy (Mario) Tegola of Thunder Bay, ON; Vivian (Douglas) Steglich of Las Vegas, NV; Blaine (Carol) Kriesel of Coon Rapids, MN; in addition to his 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Kriesel; son Gary Kriesel; stepdaughter Paula Ferguson; parents Roy & Irene Kriesel; brothers Emmet, Steve and John Kriesel; and sisters Kathleen Kriesel and Rosemary Schuette.

A memorial service to celebrate Kenneth's life will be held on Friday, Nov. 14th at the Peterson Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, located at 250 East Broadway, Monticello, MN. The visitation will be from 10-11am with the memorial service starting at 11am. Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects. There will be a luncheon following the service for those who wish to share stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kenneth's name to the Dementia Society of America via the link below.  

Rest in peace, dear father. Your memory will live on forever.