Kenneth "Kenny" Aarestad passed away on Monday, October 21, 2013 while doing his life's work, at the age of 69. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Thief River Falls, MN, with Rev. Bert Foster officiating. Private family burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:30 PM Prayer Service on Friday, October, 25, 2013 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday at the church. Kenneth Marshall Aarestad was born on May 31, 1944 in Ada, MN, the son of Julius and Hazel (Hauge) Aarestad. Kenny was raised in Lockhart, MN, near Halstad. He graduated from Halstad High School in 1962. Following high school Kenny moved to Thief River Falls to attend the AVTI for marketing. He started working at Paint and Glass in 1962. In 1963 Kenny was introduced to Phyllis Sikorski by Kenny's sister. On April 21, 1964 they became engaged and were united in marriage on August 29, 1964. The couple made their home and raised their family in Thief River Falls. Kenny and Phyllis had a special love for each other that remained strong, surpassing their 49th anniversary. Phyllis looked forward to birthdays and holidays because although Kenny was quiet with his affection, he would leave thoughtful and immensely meaningful gifts and cards for her to find. These gifts will forever comfort her. For many years Kenny installed flooring while working at for the United States Postal Service. Later he left the post office to start his own business, "Kenny's Floor Service." Which he owned and operated until his passing. Jim Donarski worked side by side with Kenny for 32 years. Kenny was a member of the Eagles, Sons of the Legion, and a volunteer with the Thief River Falls Fire Department retiring after 20 years of service. He was a man who loved life. Kenny loved watching birds and other animals. His family was very important to him. Kenny was a patriotic man who was involved and proud of the Thief River Falls community. He enjoyed traveling, dancing, attending NASCAR races and watching the Vikings play. Sundays were meant for family time, and family meals cooked by his beloved wife. Kenny is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis of Thief River Falls; children, Wendy (Terry Kotnarowski) Aarestad of Hales Corners, WI, Kathryn (Brian) Jacobson of Thief River Falls, and Jason (Jess Goff) Aarestad of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Kelsey (Isaac Kalinoski) Aarestad, Justin Aarestad, Krista Aarestad, Kyrie' Jacobson, Dakota Jacobson, Dallas Jacobson, Jacob Goff, Juliana Goff, and Maryana Aarestad; great-grandchildren, Kash Kalinoski and Kruz Kalinoski; sister, Joyce Fortier of Mason City, IA, Arloine Carlson of Adams, WI, Florence (Ron) Balzum of Ada, MN, Marilyn Arline of Fargo, ND; brother, Julian (Sandi) Aarestad of Moorhead, MN; mother-in-law, Violet Sikorski of Karlstad, MN; godchildren, Rachael LaPlante of Thief River Falls, Katie Wallin of Iowa, Jesse Linder of Iowa; faithful four legged companion, Chloe; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Preceding him in death are his parents; sisters, Donna Sorheim and Laurel Keeney; brothers-in-law, Paul Fortier, Vern Sorheim, Hilbert Carlson, Don Arline and Gerald Sikorski; sister-in-law Joni Linder; father-in-law, Henry Sikorski.