Kenneth Backstrom

Kenneth Werner Backstrom, age 90, a resident of Pelican Rapids, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, died on Monday, October 7, 2013, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls.Kenneth Backstrom was born on July 17, 1923 in his home in Erhards Grove Township, son of Walter and Ruth (Johnson) Backstrom. Kenneth attended county school district #288 near Erhard, Minnesota. Kenneth worked at various farms in the local area. Then he worked as a cook's assistant at a restaurant in Barnesville, Minnesota where his future wife also worked. On November 19, 1945, Kenneth was united in marriage to Olive Erickson in Pelican Rapids. Kenneth and Olive farmed at three different locations in the Pelican Rapids area before moving to Minneapolis. While living in Minneapolis, Kenneth worked as a chocolate-mixer at Fanny Farmer Candies from early 1950's to 1971. From 1972 to 2007 Kenneth worked with his son, Jeff, at Jeff's Auto Cleanup which later became Topline Auto Body in Minneapolis. Olive died in 2005 and in 2010 Kenneth moved back to the Pelican Rapids area.Kenneth enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, reading, trains and fast cars. For many years he collected nature items and cartoons from newspapers and magazines. He possessed carpentry skills and was always repairing and building items around the house. Kenneth loved all animals and spent time watching animals around his home. He had a gift of making everyone feel special by giving them his undivided attention. His biggest enjoyment was spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. When the time came Kenneth was a devoted caregiver to Olive.Kenneth is survived by his children: Paulette Haddock, Pelican Rapids, MN; Jeff (Karen) Backstrom Minneapolis, MN; Irene (Jerry) Lockwood, Howard Lake, MN; 11 Grandchildren: Wyatt, Byron, Jake, Walter, Jodie, Peter, Angela, Corinna, Roger, Andrea and Rebecca; 11 Great-Grandchildren: Mason, Rylee, Shelby, Leah, Brevin, Josh, Hunter, Lydia, Baylee, Miriam and Cooper; Sisters: LaVerne (Bill) Mangin, Jamestown, ND; Marlys (Don) Kubitz, Pelican Rapids, MN: and numerous nieces and nephews.Kenneth was preceded by his wife, Olive; parents; two brothers: Howard and Raymond; and a sister, Helen Solinger.Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church.Service: 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2013, at Central Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, MNClergy: Pastor Brad SoenksenBurial: Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota Funeral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572