Kenneth J. Kuznia

Kenneth J. Kuznia, 71, lifelong resident of Alma Township near Argyle, MN, died in his home on Wednesday morning, May 4, 2022, grateful to God to very end.

Any attempt to sum up Ken's life naturally falls into four categories: Faith, Family, Farm, and Fill-in-the-rest. The first three things were what drove the man; the last of these simply tells the story of his life, as we'll attempt below.

Kenneth Joseph was born on July 18, 1950, in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Leonard and Isabelle (Nowacki) Kuznia. He was raised on the family farm in Alma Township, one mile away from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Ken graduated from Argyle High School in 1968, attended Northland Community College and enlisted in the US Army shortly thereafter in 1971. Upon his honorable discharge in 1974, Ken returned home to farm with his Dad and brother, Gayle. He never planned on being a farmer, but his reluctance turned into an honest pride in his work that he carried with him for the next five decades. He loved his land and was proud to be part of its history: one more in a long line of hardworking and dedicated caretakers of God's creation.

On July 12, 1975, Kenneth was united in marriage to Alana Leverington in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Roseau, MN. He had met the young schoolteacher in one of Argyle's hole-in-the-wall bars. Being a man of honor, he knew the most important relationship of his life couldn't begin in such a place- so they stepped outside where he formally introduced himself. The two made their home near the family homestead where they raised three children. Over those years, Ken tended his farm, raised his children, was active in his church, and served in the Argyle American Legion's color guard. In 2016, Ken was diagnosed with Stage-4 Pancreatic cancer. As it spread through his body, he became even more dependent upon his Lord. After 52 chemo treatments and all that comes with it, Ken was given six more years of life- years in which he made even more time for his family, taking care to know his grandchildren all the more closely. He was the American Legion's Sergeant at Arms for many years and remained a true outdoorsman to the last.

Ken will be remembered for his faithfulness to his God and childhood church, his patriotism towards nation, and for the soft heart that was underneath his steady demeanor. His final days were spent just as he lived: positively effecting those around him including all the Altru Hospital and Cancer Center medical staff. He was grateful to those that prayed for him during these last six years.

Ken is survived by his wife of 46 years, Alana; children, Kelly (Travis) Freudenberg, Nick (Erin) Kuznia, and Ben (Amanda) Kuznia; grandchildren, Inara Freudenberg, Hunter, Austin, Hudson, and Avery Kuznia, and Madison, Ryder, and Fiona Kuznia; siblings, Richard (Jennifer) Kuznia, Veronica (Richard) Knoll, and Gayle (Annette) Kuznia; his in-laws, Avis (Ron) Grothem, and Ron (Jean), Bill (Lynette), and Scott (Ann) Leverington; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, baby Samuel; his parents, Leonard and Isabelle; and his parents-in-law, Elwin and Inez Leverington.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Assumption Catholic Church, Florian, MN.
VISITATION: Tuesday, May 10, 2022, starting at 5:30 PM, with a Rosary at 6:30 PM, and a Prayer Service at 6:45 PM, in Assumption Catholic Church in Florian and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday.
MILITARY HONORS: US Army Honor Guard and the Argyle American Legion Post 353.
INTERMENT: St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Alma Township, MN.