Obituary of Kenneth Vernon Ask

Kenneth V. Ask, 93, long-time resident of Richfield, Minnesota, passed away on Friday morning November 29, 2024, after a full life followed by a 2023 illness.

Memorial service on Monday December 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Richfield Lutheran Church (8 West 60th Street) in Minneapolis. Visitation one hour prior and luncheon to follow service.  

Kenneth was born May 31, 1931, to Oscar and Cora (Hanson) Ask.  He grew up on the family farm near Gonvick, Minnesota.  Ken joined the U.S. Navy in 1948, where he was stationed on the USS Iowa in Hawaii during the Korean War and was discharged in 1952.  Upon his return to Minnesota, Kenny married Helen Eddy and they moved to Minneapolis, where he worked for ADM milling on Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis.  Upon retiring, Ken spent time taking care of his family and spending summers at the cabin on Clearwater Lake in northern Minnesota.  Ken loved fishing, hunting, cooking and telling stories.  He was loved by all as he was a kind, jolly and wonderful person, his lovely soul was exposed to everyone he encountered.  His laughter and smile were enduring.  Kenneth Ask was  married to the love of his life Helen for 64 years until her death in 2017.  He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Kristi, parents, brother Stanley and sister Lorraine, as well as many other family members.

Kenneth is survived by loving daughters Karen (Brian von Ahsen) Ask and Kim (Pat) Ritchie, and grandchildren, Kelly Ritchie, Katie (Geoff) Lemke, Kirsten Ritchie and Eddy Ask and by great grandchildren Vanessa Ritchie, Ashley Ritchie, Emma Lemke and Ellis Lemke.  He is also survived by sister-in-law Laurene Aasen and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.