Kenneth
Fort, 73, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at his home in Thief River
Falls. MN
Kenneth
William Fort was born March 11, 1949 in Thief River Falls, the son of William
and Julia (Sordahl) Fort. Ken graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River
Falls in 1967.
Immediately
after high school Ken enlisted with the United States Army. After basic
training he completed Officer Candidate School and became a helicopter pilot
with the 101st Airborne Division. Ken flew many rescue missions during his
three tours in Vietnam. He then became a flight instructor at Ft. Rucker,
Alabama where he met future wife, Jamie McGrath.
In
1973 Ken and Jamie were united in marriage at Ft. Rucker.
Following
Ken’s honorable discharge, he and Jamie returned to Thief River Falls where
they started their family.
At
that time he began work with UPS. In 1981 their son, Shaun was born and
in 1983 their daughter, Brandi completed their family. Ken continued his
work with UPS until retirement.
During
retirement Ken enjoyed target shooting, fishing, and hunting. The most
important and joyful part of retirement came when Ken became a grandfather to
Ahna and Blake.
He
will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Ken
is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jamie of Thief River Falls; children,
Shaun Fort of Thief River Falls, and
Brandi
(Brandon Blaine) Stanley of Grygla; and grandchildren, Ahna
and Blake Stanley.
He
was preceded in death by his parents, William and Julia Fort, and his sister,
Violet Fort.
A
Memorial Service in Ken’s honor was held June 16, 2022 at Johnson Funeral
Service and Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.