Kenneth Vernon Fragodt was born November 6, 1931 in Swenoda Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the son of Gilbert and Bertha (Sandven) Fragodt. He was baptized and confirmed at West Bank Lutheran Church by Rev. C.T. Jensen. He attended country school through the eighth grade, and graduated from Benson High School. Before he joined the military, he attended Dunwoody Institute. From 1952 to 1954, Kenneth served his country in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. On June 12, 1955, Kenneth was united in marriage to Evonne Carol 'Vonnie' Swenson at United Methodist Church in Montevideo by Rev. John Miller. The couple was blessed with two children and 55 years of marriage. Kenneth and his brother Jerry owned and operated the Fragodt Oil Co. from 1956 to 1976. He then worked in sales for Massey Ferguson, Community Chevrolet, and Redball, where he retired in 1996. Kenneth was very active in the Benson Jaycees, both locally and statewide, being honored with the Distinguished Service Award for his service to the organization and the community. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and also served on the Board of Directors. He served on the Benson City Council from 1970 - 76, and was a member of the VFW and Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church. Kenneth was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardner. He followed BHS sports, and worked the 'chain gang' for Benson football for 49 years. He was a loyal fan of the Vikings and Twins through good years and bad. Kenneth's greatest pleasure was spending time at the cabin on Camp Lake, visiting with his friends and family and enjoying his great grandchildren. Kenneth is survived by his wife Vonnie of Benson; his daughter Kendra Nelson of Benson; three grandchildren: Kecia (Joel) Kalisch, Kallem (Jill) Knuteson, and Kyle Fragodt-Cole; seven great grandchildren: Alyssa Kalisch, Carson Kalisch, Lacie Kalisch, James Knuteson, Colten Knuteson, Grace Knuteson, and Savannah Knuteson; a sister, Irene Voorhees of Benson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his son, Kendall; his parents; four brothers: Ralph, Donald, Paul and Gerald Fragodt and two sisters: Harriet Voorhees and Eunice Voorhees.
