Kenneth Oja, 87, of Jamestown, ND (formerly of Stanley, ND), passed away on Monday, August 20, 2024, at the Jamestown Regional Medical Center in Jamestown, ND.

Kenneth Richard Oja was born to John R. and Hilma M. (Ingeroi) Oja on March 9, 1937 in Belden, ND on their family farm and was the fourth of four boys. His siblings were Everett, Marvin, and LuVern. They went to summer school at the Platt School, walking to and from school every day. During the winter, they helped feed the cattle and enjoyed hunting, trapping, and snaring rabbits.

Kenny worked as a hired hand for various neighbors especially during haying season. Throughout the summers and falls, they loaded and unloaded large loads of hay bales, by hand, for the farmers who had cattle and horses.

On weekends and winter days, Kenny and his brother, Marvin, along with some of the neighbors who had instruments and who were musically inclined would gather at someone’s house to play and enjoy music together. They then started their own small music group and played at country schoolhouses on weekends with neighbors near and far coming to enjoy their music and dance! They also held many wedding dances and get-togethers at the Belden Hall and a good time was had by all! Many people of the younger generation learned to dance with parents or others teaching them at these dances.

The last year and a half, Kenny was a resident of Rock of Ages Home in Jamestown, ND. He would call often to visit and check out our weather here, and how everyone in the families were doing.

Kenny is survived by his two sisters-in-law, Janice (Howard) Rehak and Deloris Oja of Stanley, ND; six nieces, Darla Craft and Deann (Jubal) Jarmin of Stanley, ND, Debra (Mark) Smith of Rochester, MN, Daleen (Wayne) Johnson and Barbara (David) Nesheim of Stanley, ND, and Brenda (Steve) Lautenschlager of Belgrade, MN; and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hilma Oja; three brothers, Everett, Marvin, and LuVern; and his nephew, Bryon Oja.