Kenneth L. Tetrault

Kenneth L. Tetrault, 74, of Walhalla, ND passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND. Please join us for the prayer and funeral services for Kenny Leonard Tetrault. Visitation will be on Friday, September 22nd, 2023,  from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with a 7:00 pm prayer service to follow at Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, North Dakota. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at 10:30 AM at the same location.

With heavy hearts and a mix of emotions, we share the news of Kenneth Leonard Tetrault’s passing on September 10, 2023. Kenny, as he was fondly known, was a true legend, a hero in his own right, and a master of humor. His presence was extraordinary and exceptional, and there was never a dull moment when he was around. For those who were privileged to know him, he wasn’t just a close friend; he was a constant source of support and entertainment with unshakable confidence and no filter.

Kenny burst onto the scene on October 19, 1948, just 40 minutes after his twin sister Penelope. Born to Hilda and Leonard Tetrault of Walhalla Kenneth and Penelope, lovingly dubbed “Kenny and Penny,” ignited a whirlwind of excitement within their family. They were a dynamic duo right from the start! Myrna, their older sister, was always seen sporting a bow in her hair. However, when these two troublemaking sidekicks entered the scene, life shifted gears, and bows vanished as there was no longer time for hair accessories.

Kenneth hightailed it out of Walhalla High School in 1966, diploma in hand, and joined the Navy with a strong interest in submarines and riverboats. From ‘66 to ‘70, he embarked and served on 3 patrols “underwater adventures” with the USS Permit SSN-594 and USS SEA DRAGON SSN-584. He was a “force” during his Navy days and had his own way of doing things. There was the Navy way…Then there was “Maddog’s way”.

He married Virginia Einarson, May 11, 1974. They started their marriage in Grafton, moved to Park River and eventually they found their way back to his hometown, Walhalla. After he moved back, he became the city superintendent. More often than not, he forgot your name, but he had an uncanny ability to pinpoint your house and precisely locate your water meter! Kenny excelled at outsmarting fish and deer and was a talented artist and sculptor, known as CreaturemanKT. He started out sculpting white-tailed deer, eventually evolving into the creation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and a range of other Christmas decorations. His work expanded to include iconic landmarks in Walhalla. Many of you will remember Kenny for sculpting two of the most well-known and loved landmarks in Walhalla: the life-size wrought-iron moose and the elk. With these sculptures, Kenny proudly helped embrace our town as the unofficial Moose and Elk Capital of North Dakota. Kenny was also the artist of the famous photo favorite blue moose located in front of The Blue Moose Bar and Grill in East Grand Forks, MN. Kenny’s sculptures remain prominently cherished and valued landmarks.

Kenneth was known to be full of baloney and an impressive amount of knowledge and experiences. He never let an opportunity slip by without dishing out his wisdom and wit to those nearby, whether they were interested or not. On multiple occasions, it was suggested he should write a book titled, “The Right Way to Do Things.”

 If you ever asked Kenneth how many kids he had, he’d tell you six but then he decided to trade two of them for a snowmobile! His children, the Fantastic Four, are in mourning without their best friend and father and include: Lori Fecho (Brandon), Chad, Charlie, and Chelsey Tetrault. He also left four grandchildren, Darian Casavant (Josh), Ty Domben, Maren, and Gage Fecho, plus one great grandson, Cutter Casavant.

Kenneth Tetrault will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, artistic ability, his ability to bring laughter to those around him, unwavering dedication to the ones he loved, and having no patience when it came to getting things done. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories, as well as four things to always remember: 1. Stay cool 2. Don’t get excited 3. Stay ahead of the pressure 4. Don’t do anything stupid!

He is survived by his children, sisters, Myrna Stremick and Penny (Dwight) Leier, grandchildren, one great-grandchild, many beloved nieces and nephews, and his Angel on Earth, Michelle, Almonte VSL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Virginia Tetrault, Brother-in-law Philip Stremick, and nephew Mathew Stremick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to any Walhalla Non-Profit Organization-Make Walhalla Great Again! Faith In Action, Park River Bible Camp, or the Pembina County Memorial Hospital Foundation.