Kenneth V. Joraanstad

Corporal Joraanstad served in WWII with the 922th Field Artillary Battalion under the 86th Infantry Division as a Field Artilleryman and also fought for the liberation of the Philippines.

Kenneth Virgil Joraanstad, a lifelong resident of Bottineau County in North Dakota, was born August 15, 1926 to Lars and Everine (Pederson) Joraanstad in Bottineau. Kenneth was baptized and confirmed at Lesje Lutheran Church, rural Souris, graduated from Souris High school in 1944, and served in the US Army from March 1945 to December 1946. In 1948, he became employed with the State Bank of Souris, which later became the State Bank of Bottineau. He worked there forty years in various positions, retiring in 1988. Kenneth had a deep love and appreciation for the land, and especially enjoyed his days working on the family farm. Kenneth married Grace Larson at Nordland Church in 1954, and together they raised five children. Grace passed away in 1975.

Kenneth married Ann Klokstad of rural Souris in 1976, and together they had two daughters.

A kind, gentle and compassionate man, Kenneth touched many lives. His spirit of contentment in life and service to others endeared him to people of all generations. Kenneth served in various capacities with the city of Souris, Lesje Lutheran Church of rural Souris, and at First Lutheran Church of Bottineau. He faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels, was treasurer for the Bottineau County Food Pantry, helped deliver the Minot Daily News, and volunteered with the Historical Society of Bottineau County. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW, and enjoyed bowling with the Tommy Turtle Leagues.