Kenneth Asmus

Kenneth Herman Asmus, son of Arthur and Lena (Borth) Asmus, was born October 23, 1928 in rural Chokio, Minnesota, and was baptized on November 18, 1928 at the Chokio Lutheran Church by Reverend G.A. Pilgrim. Kenneth grew up in Chokio, and received his education in the Chokio Public School. On May 4, 1950, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Virnig at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio. To this union, four children were born: Michael, Kathryn, Kevin and Kerri. Kenneth’s real passions in life were his family and his work. From the time he was young, he was in the construction business with his father. He eventually took over Asmus Construction and ran it until 1970. He liked to share with his grandchildren stories of building homes, churches and barns in the area. After his construction career ended, he began hog farming, and within the next few years added crops. Eventually his sons joined the farm, forming KMK Farms. Up until the time he entered the West Wind Village in 2007, Kenneth was busy at the farm picking rocks or doing whatever else “the boys” asked him to do.

Kenneth had many interests and hobbies during his life. Fishing and hunting trips to Canada with family and friends over the years were special to Kenneth. He also enjoyed tending horses, especially his favorite horse, Queenie. Playing Buck Euchre, 31 and many other card games was also a pastime Kenneth enjoyed. If you knew Kenneth well or if you just met him, he always had a joke to tell or a funny story to share. Making others laugh brought him joy. Some of his most well known line were, “don’t take no wooden nickels!” and “tell your mom she loves you!” Kenneth was most proud of his four children, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He looked forward to attending all of his kids’ and grandkids’ ball games from football to softball. He was their biggest fan. He taught them all how to work hard and to be proud of what you do.

Kenneth died on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 81 years.

He is survived by: his wife, Jeanne Asmus, resident of the West Wind Village in Morris; four children: Mick (Rhonda) Asmus of Chokio, Kathryn Asmus of St. Cloud, Kevin (Rhonda) Asmus of Chokio and Kerri Asmus of St. Cloud; five grandchildren: Risa (Lauren) Dorweiler, Aaron (Jodi) Asmus, Angie (Bruce) Berlinger, Marisa (Greg) Sabolik and D.J. Asmus; eight great-grandchildren: Jack Dorweiler, Audrey Dorweiler, Kali Berlinger, Austin Berlinger, Lilia Asmus, Drake Asmus, Jack Sabolik and Ben Sabolik; three sisters: Leola (Robert) Flannigan of White Bear Lake, Janeth (Garfield) Robertson of Altoona, WI and Jalene (LeRoy) Aanerud of Fergus Falls, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Arthur & Lena Asmus; his brother, Royal Asmus and his brother and his wife, Marvin “Duke” (Jean) Asmus.

Pallbearers for the service are Kenneth’s Grandchildren, with his great-grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers. JoAnne Foley will serve as organist for the service, with Jim Quackenbush serving as soloist.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Chokio First Responders.