Kenneth "Ken" Greening

Kenneth “Ken” Greening, of Prior Lake, MN age 87 passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, with family by his side. A visitation will be held on Thursday June 19, 2025, at Ballard-Sunder (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake from 4:00-6:00 PM with a service beginning at 5:30 PM. Following the service, there will be a time for reminiscing at The Pointe (16691 State Hwy 13) in Prior Lake.

On November 8, 1937, Edward and Elsie (Hildenbrandt) Greening welcomed the birth of their son Kenneth “Ken”. He was the youngest of seven children he enjoyed growing up with his siblings Annie, Lydia, Hulda, Gus, Art, and Hattie.

Ken graduated high school in 1955 in Bathgate, ND. As a young man he worked on the family farm, helped cut ice blocks for the icehouse at the Bathgate State School for the Blind and sold popcorn at Starnite drive-in movie theater in Cavalier, ND. Outside of work, he loved socializing and spending evenings dancing at nearby ballrooms.

Ken and his buddies would take road trips to Winnipeg, Canada for roller skating adventures.

He later attended trade school to study horology “watchmaking and repair” and built a long-standing career at various jewelry stores throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

Ken married Marlene Davis on November 24, 1960, in Grafton, ND. They moved to Richfield, MN, where they raised three daughters Tammy, Brenda and Missy. Ken was incredibly proud of his girls.

In the early 70’s the family relocated to Carver, MN. There, he returned to his farming roots, tending a large vegetable garden and generously sharing his harvest with others. Around that time, he also opened his own watch repair shop in Carver.

Ken cherished the simple moments with his family, from Sunday drives and picnics to evenings at the supper clubs creating memories that stayed with him always.

After 12 years of marriage Ken and Marlene parted ways.

Ken had a strong work ethic and while continuing his career as a watch repairman, also pursued work as a maître d’ at the Minneapolis Club and Chart House. During his time at Chart House he met a special companion, Carol Pearson. He later moved with his three daughters to Prior Lake, MN to join their families together. Ken and Carol shared 25 meaningful years together before eventually going their separate ways.

Ken began working at Knox Lumber in 1979 and remained there until its closure in 2001. He truly enjoyed this line of work, especially the daily interactions with the customers. Known as the go to guy for project help, he built a strong rapport with many of the customers. Over the years he formed lasting friendships with his coworkers. The group often held “Knox Reunions” gatherings, he looked forward to them and attended regularly.

After the closure of Knox Lumber, he went on to work at First American Crafts and Gifts. During this time, he moved into McKenna Crossing, quickly becoming a familiar and well-loved presence. Ever the gentleman, Ken took great pride in his appearance. He was always impeccably dressed in a pressed shirt and suit jacket. He built many close friendships there, especially with the ladies, who adored his charm and gentle wit.

Ken remained active, continuing his work at the craft and gift shop, repairing watches and lovingly driving his grandkids to preschool moments he cherished. This meaningful chapter of his life slowed down after he suffered a stroke in 2014.

Ken’s creative nature is where he found joy in bringing ideas to life with his hands and tools. From his signature cowboy boot birdhouses and teacup bird feeders to handcrafted water fountains and countless other DIY projects. He loved being outdoors, whether birdwatching, casting a line fishing or feeling the wind in his hair while boating. Of all his outdoor passions, time spent on Lake Minnetonka held a special place in his heart. It became a treasured family tradition to celebrate Father’s Day on one of the historical boats, surrounded by the water and the people he loved. One could say Ken was a “davenport potato” while relaxing he frequently dozed off on the coach with the TV still playing in the background.

Ken leaves behind a legacy of creativity, kindness, charm and a spirited zest for life. The memories he created will continue to ripple through time, lovingly carried by all those whose lives he touched along the way.

Ken will be remembered always and deeply missed by his loving family.

Ken is survived by his daughters, Tammy (Brian) McAfee, Brenda (Greg) Stommes and Missy (Al) Geis; grandchildren, T.J. Stommes (Meghan), Kennedy Klehr (Cameron), Lucas and Chloe Geis; great grandchildren, Sullivan, Finleigh and Archer Stommes, Huxley Klehr; and sister, Hattie Henschel.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Edward Greening; the mother of his children, Marlene Greening; and siblings, Annie Soderfelt, Lydia Mortiz, Hulda O'Hara, Gus Greening, and Art Greening.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed to the National Marrow Donor Program by his family.