Kenneth Richard Prigge
July 21, 1935 – February 6, 2022
Bemidji, MN 56601, USA
About Ken
Kenneth Richard Prigge, 86, of Bemidji, MN died Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Cornerstone Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bagley, MN.
Ken was born July 21, 1935 in Rochester, MN, the son of Hugo and Lena (Glasenapp) Prigge. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1953. He worked for a bank (where he met Dorothy) in Rochester before joining the US Army, serving from 1955-1957. He married Dorothy JoAnn Kvamme October 12, 1957.
He worked for MN DOT in Rochester, Owatonna, and finally in Bemidji; retiring in 1991. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bemidji, serving on various boards with the church. He also volunteered with the Food Shelf, Lion’s Club and Meals on Wheels. Giving back to his community was important to him. Ken always enjoyed fellowship with neighbors and friends. Three things Ken never said no to: Pie, coffee, and a game of 500.
Ken’s family was always a priority. Growing up on the farm with his 5 siblings there was equal time for work, play and shenanigans. When it came to his own family he made time for everyone. He loved traveling with Dorothy and living on the river. He spent many an enjoyable hour on the water fishing. Catching was not necessarily the objective. When Ken returned from an outing empty handed he was sure to quip, “at least we didn’t get skunked.” The highlight of every summer was the annual Prigge Family Reunion. Playing cards, eating too much and ribbing each other kept all the Prigge’s connected. He always looked forward to helping Jim plant and tend trees at the land (referring to Jim’s property). Every fall you could find Ken deer hunting with an always entertaining variety of partners. Lots of good memories were made and the stories will be told and retold.
Ken and Dorothy made numerous trips to Alaska to visit Ellen and Duane. Helping Tom and Karen move was always an adventure. When his grandkids arrived his dream had come true. Being a “Papa” to Hannah and Haley was one of his most treasured titles.
Ken is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Prigge, son, Jim Prigge, daughter, Ellen (Duane) Sheehan, daughter-in-law Karen Prigge Sohn, granddaughters, Hannah Prigge and Haley Prigge, brothers, Walter (Joni) Prigge, and William (LaMae) Prigge, sister, Helen Miller, sister-in-law, Phyllis Prigge, brother-in-law, Donald Greseth, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Lena Prigge, son, Tom, brothers, Don and Larry Prigge, sister-in-laws, Joan Prigge and Karen Johnson, brother-in-law, David Miller, sister-in-laws, Phyllis Greseth and Anita Prigge.