A funeral service will be at 11am on Friday, January 3, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Courtland with Pastor Paul Lauer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9-11am on Friday at the church, prior to the service.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Kenneth was born May 4, 1930 to Lorenz Bode and Eva (Magers) in New Ulm, Brown County, MN. On May 18, 1930 he was brought to the Lord by his parents in Holy Baptism at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Courtland Township, MN. He personally confirmed his faith in Christ as his Savior at Immanuel Lutheran Church on April 2, 1944 by E.H. Marxhausen. He was united in marriage to Shirley Lieske on August 3, 1952 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Arlington Township.

He attended Nicollet High School and graduated in 1948. He farmed the family farm in rural Nicollet, first with his dad and then with his son, Timothy. In 1983, Ken and his wife moved to Nicollet. Ken worked at Hiniker Company for 9 years until he retired in 1996.

He was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Courtland. Ken sang in the Men’s Choir for 69 years and was a member of the Men’s Club. He served the Lord by holding various offices in the church. He was also very active in the Lutheran Laymen’s League in which he also held many offices. He enjoyed playing the tuba in various bands including Nicollet Community Band, Mankato Elks Band and the Over Sixty Band. In his later years he looked forward to the many friends he made while playing Pfeffer with the Senior Citizens group in Mankato and St. Peter. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. Kenneth was called to his eternal home on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at the Vista Prairie Senior Living Community in North Mankato.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 72 years, Shirley Bode of Nicollet; sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Joni of Mankato; Timothy and Judy of Nicollet; daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Dennis Fischer of St. Croix Falls, WI; Pamela and Kevin Truebenbach of Nicollet; one brother, Richard Bode and Annette of Racine, WI; one sister, JoAnn (Bode) Baietti of Fort Collins, CO. Sister-in-law, Jacie Lieske of Mankato, sister-in-law Janice and husband Dean Rudloff of Silver Bay. 13 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 12 step great-grandchildren, 3 step great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law Doris Bode, brother-in-law Wilbur Lieske, sister-in-law Harriet Seefeldt, brother-in-law Ervin Seefeldt, brother-in-law Lawrence Baietti, one grandson Joshua Bode and one step grand daughter-in-law Laura Fischer.

“Be on your guard: Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage, be strong.”

1 Cor. 16:13, Ken’s confirmation verse

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to Lutheran Hour Ministry or donor’s choice.

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