Kenneth Ralph Jirik

Kenneth “Kenny” Ralph Jirik, 77, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, in Essentia Health Hospital, Fargo, ND.

Kenny was born on January 20, 1943, to George and Martha (Becker) Jirik, in Mahnomen, MN. He grew up in Mahnomen where he attended and graduated from Mahnomen High School. After graduation, he bought his home place Farm in Beaulieu at the age of 17, later naming it the River Bend Ranch for the much beauty it holds. Out on his beloved farm, Kenny began creating memories and adventures with his sister Evie (Cub) and dear friend Joe Winkle. He later moved to Wisconsin to live with Uncle John and Aunt Laurene Becker for six months. In 1967 Kenny was drafted into the US Army serving much of his time in Germany. He learned German and continued his adventures with every opportunity possible. Returning to Wisconsin in 1969 he worked at Gehls for two years. In 1971, he married his Cinderella, Lena Crandall and they moved back out to the Farm to start a family. Kenny worked various jobs in neighboring towns working for Stigers, a snowmobile company, road constructions, farming, gardening, and nursery all while raising the seven kids, volunteering his time, and helping neighbors. Kenny always had a sense of humor, loved to laugh, smile and play jokes. He had a heart of gold and was kind to everyone he met and would give them the shirt off his back if needed. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, sharing stories, going on adventures, traveling, cooking, gardening, nature, animals, learning Spanish, Burger King, playing games, and reading National Geographic. He was a prayer giant and had a strong faith in God, loved everyone, and worked hard. His final wishes for others were “BE HAPPY”; “Remember me in your love and prayers.”

Kenny is survived by his children, Josh (Maria) Jirik, Jer (Loni) Jirik, Donna (Dale) Spaeth, Johanna Jirik-Larson, Brenda (John) Leandro, Annie (Jeff) Hermann, and Ben Jirik; grandchildren, David Jirik, Theo, Isaak, KayDea, and Analisha Jirik, Denny and Daleah Spaeth, Shaun, Jordan, and Piper Larson, Tyler and Danielle Leandro, and Ray and Aria Hermann; siblings, Urban Jirik, Elaine Jordan, and Evelynn (Otto) Crandall; fur babies, Nadean and Clingon; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha; sister, Kathleen Jirik; sister-in-law, Doreen Jirik; and brother-in-law, Jerry Jordan; Fur baby, Patti.

On Friday, November 27, 2020, visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M., at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN.  Following the visitation and service, final resting place will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN. A livestream of the service will be available on Kenny’s webpage at www.wrightfuneral.com  where a video tribute and guestbook may also be found.

In lieu of memorial contributions, visit a friend and enjoy a beverage or piece of pie together, plant a tree or flower, or make a contribution to Catholic Relief Services in Kenny’s honor.