Kenneth “Kenny” Henry Peterson, 94, passed away January 23, 2024, at the Mountrail County Medical Center in Stanley, North Dakota.

Kenny was born on August 28 1929, to Henry T. Peterson and Emma (Brandser) Peterson in Portal, North Dakota, He was raised on the family farmstead in Soo Township, Burke County, and would remain on that farmstead his entire life. He graduated from Flaxton High School in 1947, and began farming with his father after his graduation. He was an active farmer through 2009. He also raised cattle on his farm. Kenny, in addition to his farming and ranching, drove school bus, was a volunteer 4-H leader, hauled saltwater and pumped oil wells.

Kenny was united in marriage to Arlene Thompson on April 5, 1958, at Williston, North Dakota. Kenny and Arlene had three children: Kelly Wolkenhauer, Karen Enget, and Jay Peterson.

Kenny was a Township Supervisor for Soo Township, Secretary for Flaxton Rural Fire Department, Treasurer for United Lutheran Church of Flaxton, Flaxton Cemetery Association, Council Member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Bowbells, Kenny had a strong desire to make sure that the Flaxton Community Cemetery was always in great condition, and spent many hours mowing and cleaning up the Cemetery each year, with his good friend Chris Lind.

Kenny enjoyed hunting, bowling, watching basketball, and cheering on his grandchildren in whatever sport or activity in which they were participating. He also belonged to a flying club, taking lessons and enjoying viewing the beautiful countryside from the air. Kenny loved watching Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers, until LeBron James joined the Lakers, at which time he became a Golden State Warrior fan. He loved to read, attend the Medora Musical and Norsk Hostfest (a yearly tradition), and visit with anyone and everyone. No one was a stranger once Kenny had a chance to visit with them.

Kenny is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arlene, of Flaxton; daughter Karen (Wade) Enget of Stanley; son Jay (Julie) Peterson of Cavalier; and grandchildren Kendra (Dustin) Richard of Bismarck; Jenna (Jeffery) Stith of Fargo; Kellen Enget of Devils Lake; and Justine Peterson of Fargo; and Great-granddaughter Scarlett Stith. Kenny is also survived by his sister-in-law Marilyn (Frank) Umber of McIntosh, SD; brother-in-law Richard (Elizabeth) Thompson of Salem, MA. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Kelly Wolkenhauer, grandson Janzen Peterson, sister Thelma (Oscar) Hanson, sister Mildred (Wilbur) Olson.

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