Kenneth Allen Spitzer was born on July 17, 1928 on the old Spitzer homestead west of Kensal, ND. He was one of four children born to William and Alma (Ronholm) Spitzer. His sisters are Norma (Bill) Lipetzky, Clarice Spitzer and Carol (Roger) Burtner. His family moved to the Ronholm farm north of Kensal where Ken was raised and would later farm himself. He attended Country School #2 in McKinnley school district. He graduated from Kensal High School in 1945. Ken was a young graduate, having skipped the 3rd grade. This is an important detail which spurred lifelong conversation and laughter as he reminded his family and friends of this on a regular basis. After graduation, Ken’s father told him he was welcome to come back and farm after he worked for someone else first. He set out for Seattle, Washington with three friends. He worked for Boeing Aircraft for three months. It didn’t take long to realize that farming was the life for him. With the help of many relatived along Route 66 who provided him with bed and breakfasts, he made it back to the farm to start his lifelong farming career. In 1951 Ken married Maxine Herzog, “Sparkles” he’d call her. They had six children; Gwen (Arlynn) Leapaldt of Alexandria, MN, Linda (Bruce) Squires of Fargo, ND, Bill Spitzer of Kensal, Jodi (Jim) Bredahl of Jamestown, Paul (Peggy) Spitzer of Jamestown, and Tim (Karen) Spitzer of Ellendale. From these unions were many “grands”; Matt, Andy, Anna, Ryan, Michelle, Kristen, Alissa, Barry, Luke, Adam, Shannon, Katie, Jessica, Becky, Amber, and Megan. After 45 years of marriage Maxine died in 1996. Ken married Alice Ackerman in 2000. He always said having a heart attack was a good thing as he met Alice in the elevator coming and going to cardiac rehab. With his new bride he gained a step-daughter, Debbie (Jeremy) Krueger of West Fargo and a step-son, Bradley of Williston and yet another grandchild, Afton. He cherished the many friends and family and relatives he made with his marriage to Alice. All in all he has 26 “greats”. It was such an honor to him that two of those “greats” carry on his name as their middle name. We’re certain those two will be skipping the 3rd grade as well! Ken loved farming. He was a progressive – forward thinker. He was active in farm organizations locally and nationally. Ken was instrumental in the building of the local school, the new church and the doctor’s office in Kensal. He was a “can-do” kind of guy. Ken’s eye sight failed him and caused him to make tough changes in his life. Driving ended, but special new friendships emerged with the Senior Bus Drivers as well as the taxi drivers. Ken often talked about Kensal/Jamestown being the best place on earth to live. He called all those special people all over town who helped him “angels”; they were everywhere – at the pharmacy, the clinic, the grocery store, at exercise and in the neighborhood. You know who you are! A special thank you to Mr. Steele, Jane, Clary, Nicole, Kara, the Bingo and Shang-Hi girls, and Pastor Bob. When his health decline required a move to Ave Maria Village, he quickly stole the hearts of those special caregivers.

Ken’s life was full from start to finish. He loved farming. He loved his family. He loved people. But most importantly he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ken would be the first to tell you he wasn’t perfect; that he was a sinner, but he’d quickly tell you he was a forgiven sinner. Ken got it! He was more than ready to be received at his new heavenly home with a big “coming home” party. Faithful, he crossed the finish line and finished the race!

Ken requests that in lieu of flower gifts that memorials be given to either Meals on Wheels or the James River Senior Citizen’s Bus. Both programs really blessed his life.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 15th, 2018 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown with Pastor Robert Hill officiating.

Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 at Eddy Funeral Home.

Prayer Service: 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 at Eddy Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Eckstein officiating.

Spring Burial: Kensal Cemetery, Kensal, North Dakota.

Eddy Funeral Home in care of arrangements.