Obituary of Kenneth Charles Aarnes

Kenneth Charles Aarnes - Born March 7, 1943 - Died December 6, 2019 at age 76. He is survived by his four daughters Tahne Aarnes, Taya (Dale) Mossestad, Trista Leong, and Turi Aarnes, and three grandchildren, Bodhi, Elory and Rowan Mossestad. He is preceded in death by his parents Edith and Olaf Norman Aarnes, brothers Donald and Michael, and sister Judy.

Ken was born and raised in Minnesota. After his graduation from Mounds View High School, he served in the Army from 1961-1964, and won marksman shooting competitions during his service. He spoke frequently about his service in Germany and wanted to visit again someday.  Upon his return from Germany and honorable discharge from the army, he attended technical college.  He became a well-respected and in-demand computer programmer.  These skills led him and his family to move around (Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, California....and back again).

He loved to travel, preferably road trips with as few stops as possible.  Put gas in the car, use the restroom, and get something to eat all in one stop.  Sightseeing was done from the car window. He mostly enjoyed visiting his daughters when they lived all over (California, Canada, Minnesota, Ohio, Hawaii). One of his two passions later in life was golf.  It was something he loved to do and aspired to do well.  A bad day on the golf course was better than a good day anywhere else.  The other passion was meals at greasy-spoon diners; breakfast was his favorite.  

He was well-liked by everyone he met, and well-loved by his family, especially his girls.  He will be missed.

Private funeral services and burial will be in January 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ken’s name to the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Minneapolis.