KENNETH N. KAALAND, 84, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Thursday December 30, 2004 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley.
He was born on January 30, 1920 in Burlington, WA, the son of Ole and Ellen Jenson Kaaland.
Kenneth attended and graduated from Burlington High School and attended Washington State University. As young man he started farming and continued until failing health forced his retirement.
In 1941 he was united in marriage to Ruth LeValley and together they raised their three children.
Kenneth was a lifelong member of the Burlington Lutheran Church and served several terms on the church council. He was named Conservation Farmer of the Year and was Dairy Family of the Year. He served on the board of directors for Dairygold, the Federal Land Bank, the Skagit County Planning Commission, and the A.S.C.S.
He loved his family and farming.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Ron & Chris Kaaland of Lyman and Don & Wonona Kaaland of Sedro-Woolley and his daughter, Patty Robinson of Sedro-Woolley. Seven grandchildren and their spouses, Rick Kaaland, Teri & Jeff Blanton, Andrea & Steve Wimer, Stephanie & Elijah Winn all of Sedro-Woolley and LeAnne Robinson and her husband, Jeff Hegedus, Carmen Robinson and Krista Robinson, all of Bellingham. Nine great-grandchildren, Danielle & Chad Kaaland, Jonah Trople, Kaalen & Allison Blanton, Hope & Tess Wimer, Jacob & Lily Winn. Also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and a brother-in-law, Hilton Bergstrom in California. He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, Rachael Kaaland and son-in-law, Larry Robinson. Four sisters, Alma Kaaland, Emma Johnson, Margaret Bergstrom and Alice Ness and a brother, Stanley Kaaland. The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 5, 2005 at 11:00 AM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Walt Rice of Bethlehem Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will follow at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery.