Kenneth Garthus, 80, of Holt, MN, passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021 at the Karlstad Healthcare Center in Karlstad, MN.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Holt, MN, with Rev. Sheila Michaels officiating.  Burial will follow at the Holt Cemetery, Holt, MN.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.  Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday at the church.

Kenneth James Garthus was born on June 21, 1941 in Holt Township, MN, to Ben and Helen (Monson) Garthus.  He grew up in Holt Township and attended school in Holt, MN.  As a young man, Kenny worked for several area farmers while farming his own land and working nights at Land O' Lakes in Thief River Falls.

On September 5, 1964, Kenny was united in marriage to Janet Hestekind at Bethlehem Church in New Solum Township.  The couple made their home in Excel Township, west of Holt, MN.  Kenny continued working for Land O' Lakes and during this time he and Janet farmed and milked cows.  Kenny was a hardworking cowboy who trained, bought, and sold horses.

Kenny was a proud member of the Draft Horse Association, Quarter Horse Association, and the Paint Horse Association.  He was a lifelong member of Ringbo Lutheran Church.

Kenny is survived by his children, James (Karin) Garthus of Holt, MN, Barbara (Harlan Olson) Garthus of Middle River, MN, Wayne (Fiance, Annie) Garthus of Holt, MN, and Dean Garthus of Holt, MN; grandchildren, Jaylene (Danny) Larson, Jena (Austin) Rivera, Boe (Taylor) Garthus, and Seth Garthus, Cole, Jalen, Junior, Summer, and Wilder Garthus, and Kia Garthus; great-grandchildren, Gage and Alivia Larson, Jackson Garthus, and Clint Rivera; sister-in-law, Carol Garthus of Holt, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; granddaughter, Cassandra Flatland; mother and father, Ben and Helen Garthus; brothers, Jay and Joe; sister, Dorothy; mother-in-law and father-in-law, George and Eva Hestekind; brothers-in-law, Jerry and Arly.