Kenneth James ‘Kenny’ Strongitharm left this world on April 14, 2026, at the age of 58. He was born on November 20, 1967 in Duluth, Minnesota, the youngest of three children of Dennis and Beverly Strongitharm. He was raised in the Norton Park neighborhood and was a proud graduate of Denfeld High School.

Kenny was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome, and given a life expectancy of only eighteen years, but his spirit was too big to be limited to such a short time. Although he had many struggles, he faced them with a happy, tender heart. He spent his life bringing smiles to countless faces. His gentle spirit and infectious humor made him a friend to everyone he met, and he truly believed that everyone was his friend. He enjoyed interacting with people whether it was to tell a corny joke or story (‘I’m a Northernwegian’ – he was NOT or ‘I was on the Richard Simmons Show’ – he was), tease, give a friendly hug or simply offer a warm smile. He loved sharing meals and holidays with his family and spent many happy times by the fire at his sister’s house. He loved animals of all kinds and could sit for hours just petting and softly talking to them. His love of horror movies and all things scary was well-known. For many years he volunteered at the Haunted Shack, one of his very favorite things to do and he never missed the opportunity to coerce his brother into taking him to new horror movies. He will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents Dennis and Beverly and his grandparents. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law John and Diane Strongitharm and his sister and brother-in-law Leslie and Larry Musolf; nieces Sarah (Steven) Schuyler, Angela Musolf, and Nichole (Derek) Anderson; nephew Christopher (Huana Nelson) Musolf; great niece Emma Schuyler and another great niece due in October; aunt Lois Schmidt, uncle Michael (Mary) Strongitharm and several cousins. Kenny’s circle of love extended far beyond his immediate family to include his close friends Caleb and the staff at Carlton Fitness Center, the team at the Haunted Shack, his care staff at Taylor House, and his cherished friend Maria. Each of them held a special place in his heart.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kenny’s Care Team, Ecumen Hospice Care, and to those in the community who embraced Kenny as a part of their lives. Your kindness and support have been invaluable to us during this difficult time.

A service to celebrate Kenny’s life will be held at Elim Lutheran Church, located at 6101 Cody Street on May 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Kenny are warmly invited to gather in his memory and honor the joy he brought into the world.

Rest in peace, dear Kenny, knowing your silliness, laughter, and love will forever echo in our memories.