Kenneth was born on December 22, 1937, on the family farm west of Menahga, Minnesota, to Theodore and Mabel (Nelson) Oakland. He was baptized and confirmed at the First English Lutheran Church in Menahga and attended school district #28 through the 8th grade and graduated from Menahga High School with the Class of 1956.

After graduation he went to Bisbee, North Dakota and worked on his uncle’s farm and that fall he went to Denver, CO to work and later he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where he worked for Honeywell for 14 years as Group Leader.

On March 12, 1960, Kenneth was united in marriage to the love of his life, Bernice Nielsen, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, and were blessed with three sons: Jeffrey, Gregory, and Curtis.

Kenny was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his community. He worked for Honeywell in Minneapolis for 14 years before returning to the Sebeka/Menahga area. He then spent 20 years driving truck for Gordy Peterson. Later, he worked for the Menahga School District for eight years and drove school bus for the Sebeka School District for several years, where he became a familiar and trusted face to generations of students.

A devoted public servant, Kenny was the secretary for the Sebeka Lions Club in the 70’s, they worked very hard for the community of Sebeka.   He proudly served with the Sebeka Fire Department for 26 years, and served as assistant fire chief, retiring in 1999. He valued the friendships he made through the department and took great pride in serving and protecting his community.

Kenny was a jack of all trades, took great pride in his home and loved his family dearly.  His favorite place to be was home.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Bernice; his sons, Jeffrey (Kathy), Gregory (Sherri), and Curtis (Tera); grandchildren: SaraBeth, Matthew, Aaron, Katelin, Ryan, Heidi; great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Mabel Oakland; three brothers and four sisters.