Kenneth Myran Bangen, 87

Kenneth Myran Bangen, 87, of International Falls, Minn., passed away peacefully Sunday, March, 8, 2015, at Sanford Medical Center, Bemidji, Minn., following a brief illness.

Grampa Kenny, or Gramps, to many, was born July 28, 1927, to Sidney and Ovedia Bangen, in Wilton, Minn.

Growing up in Holler Addition of South International Falls, he loved to reminisce about his childhood shenanigans and school days there. He enjoyed many a drive-thru of the old neighborhood and could to this day name family homes on the block, as well as what went on in and around them, from way-back-when.

Kenny served overseas in the United States Army during World War II, and proudly shared many an Army story.

He was a 1945 graduate of Falls High School.

Kenny began his career as an electrician at M&O paper mill and retired from Boise Cascade as electrical supervisor after 42 years of service. Many an eyebrow was raised as to his skills as the “color-blind electrician,” but he had his own method all figured out.

On June 10, 1951, he married Elaine Mae Nelson, whom he met a couple years earlier working as a mill secretary. Although he didn’t really think he had a chance with such a beauty, he took one. After 49 fun-loving years, “Nellie,” as he called her, preceded him in death in 2000.

In his younger years he was a motorcycle enthusiast, traveling much of the U.S. and Canada. He loved snowmobiling, hunting and fishing, and thoroughly enjoyed telling of his adventures with his family and friends.

Cruising along in his pickup, a bit on the slower side, Kenny covered International Falls and surrounding areas along with his side kick and brother, Cam.

He was a great storyteller to anyone with an open ear, had a most humorous quick wit, didn’t mince words and told it like he saw it (no matter who was around to hear). He never missed a thing. Ever.

He was a creature-of-habit — everything on schedule. His Saturday nights were spent with Lawrence Welk. For many years, he spent every morning in the same booth at the Chocolate Moose for breakfast. He rather enjoyed being spoiled.

He is survived by his daughters — Bonnie (Dave) Harris and Tammie (Kevin) Calder; grandchildren – Adam (Tara) Harris, Jacob Harris and Megan Harris, Matthew Calder (Nathalie Donaldson) and Tanner Calder (Samantha Luoma); great-grandchildren – Addison Rae Harris, Piper Jo Harris and Frederick Jace Calder; sister, Norma (Mel) Ramsey; sister-in law, Ann Bangen; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He adored each and every one of them.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Harold and Ethel Nelson; and brothers, Cameron Bangen and Duane Bangen.

He was the best dad, gramps, great-gramps, brother, uncle, and friend. In his own gruff, but tender way, he left his mark on so many. We are grateful and better for it.

His friends at River’s Edge Villa became family to him and we are thankful for that.

A Celebration of Life memorial gathering is planned for 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Ranier Community Building, Ranier, Minn.

Interment will be alongside his wife at Forest Hill Cemetery, International Falls.

Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.

Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.