Kenneth Raymond LeRoy Keinanen

August 6, 1939 – October 25, 2026

Kenneth Raymond LeRoy Keinanen was born on August 6, 1939, to Ailie (Oja) and William Keinanen in a paper shack in Silver Township, Minnesota, not far from where the Keinanen Farm once stood. He passed away peacefully in his home in Moose Lake, on October 25, 2026.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald; and his son, Raymond Ernster.

He is survived by his son, Todd of Moose Lake; his sisters, Helen (the late Roger) Nelson, Betty (David) Lyons, Karen (the late Thomas) Dotseth, Susie (Robert) LaBell, and his grandchildren, Rachel (Clarence) Ernster-Schultz, Lucas (Kayla) Ernster, and Garrett (Elise) Keinanen. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and the children and grandchildren of his partner, Beverly Johnson, with whom he shared 42 years of friendship and companionship.

Kenneth graduated from Moose Lake High School in 1957, shortly thereafter, Kenneth began his working career at Conwed in Cloquet, MN, where he worked for approximately one year. He then moved to Grand Forks and Minot, North Dakota, where he performed carpentry work on military housing projects at the Air Force bases. While in North Dakota Kenneth married Linda Albaugh in 1959, and in 1961 they welcomed their son Raymond Lovell. Soon after he and Linda divorced. Once the projects in the Dakota’s were completed, Kenneth moved to the Twin Cities and worked for various contractors.

Kenneth then returned to the Moose Lake area where he lived on the family farm and subcontracted for Bob Adamczak for several years. In 1966, he married Kathryn Warpula and then in 1968 they welcomed their son Todd Richard to their family. Kenneth partnered with his brother-in-law, Roger Nelson, building pole buildings and houses and completing remodeling projects. Following his divorce from Kathy in 1972, Kenneth continued building homes and taking on a variety of carpentry jobs.

Kenneth had a great love for music and enjoyed playing several instruments. During the 1970s, he spent time playing music with the Lekanders, where he shared his musical talents and love of music with others. In 1978 he married and then later divorced Ione Jacques.

When the building business slowed down in 1980, Kenneth began a new chapter by purchasing an old truck and hauling grain. In 1989, he purchased a new Kenworth semi-truck and took to the open road. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling throughout all 48 states and Canada, experiencing new places and the freedom of life on the highway. After 25 years of truck driving, Kenneth retired at the age of 66.

Retirement brought more time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and the people he loved. He spent many days gardening, cutting firewood, repairing equipment, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Following his retirement, Kenneth enjoyed traveling. His adventures with Beverly took them to destinations including Hawaii and the East Coast.

Kenneth will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his many talents, his love of music, and his willingness to embrace new adventures throughout his life. From carpentry and construction to hauling grain and traveling the open highway, he lived a life shaped by determination, independence, and a love for doing what he enjoyed.

He leaves behind a legacy of memories, stories, music, and cherished moments shared with family and friends. Kenneth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring.