Kenneth Ponsness

Ken Ponsness, 56 and Kass Ponsness, 57, of Merrifield, died on Monday, April 30, 2012 at their home. Services will be held at 12:00 PM, Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with Father George Zeck officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to services and stay following the services for a reception in the Brenny Funeral Chapel Reception Room.

Kathleen Marie Wlaznak was born October 16, 1954 in St. Cloud, MN, the daughter of Dominic and Florence (Woods) Wlaznak. Kenneth Alan Ponsness was born August 31, 1955, in Fort Dodge, IA, the son of Gilbert and Norma-Lee (Harris) Ponsness. Kass graduated from St. Benedict's High School in St. Cloud in 1973, the same year Ken graduated from Fort Dodge High School. Ken enlisted in the US Navy where he served for 6 years before being honorably discharged. The couple was married on June 21, 1980 in St. Cloud. They made their home in Arizona for over 18 years before moving to the Brainerd Lakes Area in 1998. Ken was a member of the American Legion Post # 627 in Nisswa where Kass was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Ken worked in construction for many years; he was most recently employed by Norson Construction while Kass was a patient care coordinator for Specialty Home Med. Kass enjoyed and took pride in her job and developed a very warm and caring attitude for those she served. Ken, a former Boy Scout, enjoyed the outdoors - especially camping and fishing. He was a great cook and did so often - both indoors and out. He was an avid reader and often considered a walking encyclopedia. Kass had a deep love of music; she liked to sing and play the guitar. Her patient, loving, and resilient nature was infectious. She enjoyed life and loved to laugh. Ken and Kass appreciated the simple and uncomplicated things.

The couple will be greatly missed and is survived by their children, Gilbert (Jessica) Ponsness, of Minneapolis and Leeann Ponsness, of Brainerd; Kass' mom, Florence (Fred) Lashinski; Ken's mom, Norma-Lee Ponsness; Kass' siblings, Lin (David) Whiteman and Joe (Becky) Wlaznak; Ken's siblings, Kevin (Danya) Ponsness and Karole Ponsness; Ken's aunt, Karen Cooper; and many nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by Kass' father, Dominic; Ken's father, Gilbert; Ken's brother, Kirby; Ken's uncle, KD Harris; and their grandparents.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.