On July 16, 2015, Kenny got to KISS his ANGEL (Mardy) "Good Morning" once again. He passed away at the Ft. Meade Veterans Hospital.

Ken was born February 17, 1922, in Mason City, IA, to Helmer and Edith Maakestad. He graduated from Mitchell, SD, High School in 1940. Ken joined the Army in September of 1942. He was very proud to be a World War II Veteran. On December 24, 1944, he married his doll, Mardella Dietzel. They recently celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Ken worked at many jobs including Gebhardt's Hardware in Alexandria, SD, before moving to Sturgis in 1962 where he worked for the Homestake Mine for 9 years. He then worked for Corner Construction in Rapid City. Some of the proudest projects of his career were the Rapid City Regional Hospital, the Rapid City Civic Center, and Sturgis Community Center, working till the age of 72. He was a member of various bowling leagues, rolling his last ball at the age of 91.

Ken and Mardy's house was open to all and welcomed with a smile. They had 7 children who learned from the best on how to treat your fellow man. His greatest joy was the holidays and being Santa to many generations of family, neighbors, and patients in hospitals.

Survivors include seven children, Jim (Barb) Maakestad, Sheridan, WY, Connie (Stan) Holmes, Abilene, KS, Sheila (Bill) Limbo, Sturgis, SD, Ken Maakestad, TX, Scott (RuthAnne) Maakestad, Littleton, CO, Dawn Wagness, Sturgis, SD, and Tim Maakestad, Gillette, WY; one sister, Jean Muck, Mitchell, SD; one brother, Stan Maakestad, Woonsocket, SD; eleven grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and special sons; Mitch and Michael Loobey.

His wife, Mardy, preceded him in death by 36 days. His parents, two sisters, and one grandson also preceded him in death.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 21, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor John Tesnow officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.

A memorial has been established.

Click on link to view service folder