Obituary of Kenneth Fortman

Kenneth (Ken) Warren Fortman, age 79, of Farmington MN, passed away on September 5th, 2022, with his family at his bedside.
He was born August 31st, 1943, in Minneapolis MN.
Survived by his children Robin (Chris) Cousin of Florence, KY, Michelle (Dennis) Zoff of Mendota Heights, and Tracy Fortman of Minneapolis, grandchildren Breanna of South Hill, VA, Kyle of Louisville, KY, Jarod of Florence, KY, Denielle of Inver Grove Heights, and Myrissa, Madison, WI., and great grandson, James, of VA.
Also survived by sisters Kathleen Fortman, of Newark, OH, and Barb (Dale) Jensen of Bloomington, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Karen, and brother Gary Fortman. 

He graduated from Washburn High School, and Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN. When the Mankato flood of 1965 hit, Ken worked full time at a gas station towing cars out of the area, and Karen worked 911 dispatch. They sent Robin to Ken’s parents, so they could both help flood victims. 
Ken worked as a part time Police Officer for over 30 years and worked full time for Streicher's Law Enforcement Supply & Equipment. 

Growing up his children remember that he was the only male in the household with three girls and two female dogs.  His family grew up with HAM and CB radio clubs camping every weekend throughout his daughters’ childhood.

He loved his Classic Cars and never missed the Back to The 50’s car shows at the MN State Fairgrounds, where he also worked as a Police Officer during the annual State Fairs for over 20 years.
He had a very dry sense of humor, full of puns, and after his jokes, he would follow with a big smile. This worked well with his sales pitches to sheriffs in the 5-state region in order to break the ice for selling guns, ammo, and uniforms.  His passion was rebuilding old cars and at one point had five cars in the process of becoming classics.  He had a 3.5 car garage attached to the house, and his “Toy Box”, which was a 4.5 car garage that was complete with heat, internet, TV, and a fridge. What more could he ask for?

Ken will be remembered for his humor, his laugh, his love of reading and classic cars, and being an amazing dad to his children and grandchildren.

Service at Cremation Society of Edina, October 28, 4-8pm. Sharing and story telling after 5pm.