Kenton M Oberg

Kenton Maynard Oberg 77 years young, was taken to be with our Lord on March 20th 2017. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on August 17th 1939 in Minot North Dakota to Maynard and Adeline Oberg. He spent his youth in La Crosse and the family moved to St. Paul where he started High School. Known by family and friends as Ken, with the exception of one very dear friend whom he called his other brother Daryl, who endearingly referred to him as Kent.

Ken met the love of his life and best friend Gloria when they attended Wilson High school in St. Paul. Ken was 17 and Gloria was 14. Married in 1960, they became lifelong companions. Together they enjoyed travel all over the world, many family gatherings, fishing, playing cards, bowling, golfing, and special times gathered together with many lifelong friends going back to grade school. Ken and Gloria had an amazing life together that included many years spent in Destin Florida and Winters in Puerto Vallarta. Ken was known by all to be kind, generous, loyal, and always true to his word. A true gentleman. He was always willing to do anything to help his family or be there for a friend in need. He was a very loving but strong, steady, and dependable Patriarch of the family. Throughout his very successful career in the shoe industry, his reputation for integrity was unmatched. He inspired many young business people throughout his career, who have continued to view Ken as their mentor. During his career, he had the opportunity to live in Italy and New York City, and travel extensively to France, Brazil, and throughout North America.

In his youth, Ken enjoyed working as a guide canoeing on the Boundary Waters for the YMCA. He also played competitive badminton for the U.S. junior team.

Ken loved playing tennis, second only to fishing and a good card game. He played tennis in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Vallarta Mexico. His group of tennis buddies was extensive. During his years living in Destin Florida, he gave tennis lessons to young boys and girls. Ken continued to play tennis 3 times a week through December of 2016. Ken not only enjoyed fishing, but would patiently assist family with baiting hooks, and line repairs. He enjoyed the quiet time afterwards spent cleaning fish. Often 50 or more in one sitting. He was an avid card player, and showed no mercy in Euchre, even with the family. Family tradition was important to Ken. Making Swedish Potato sausage each Christmas as a family, teaching the Great Grandchildren to fish, numerous fish frys with family and friends every Summer, and annual outings on the boat to watch 4th Of July Fireworks on the river.

Ken was preceded in death by his father Maynard, mother Adeline, brother Stanton, brother Gregory, Brother Lee David and sister Barbara (Oberg) Shotley. (and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins).

Ken is survived by his wife Gloria, daughter Kristin Nirchi, son Matthew, daughter Robin Wild, Son-In-Law Brian Wild, grand children Brandon Oberg, Lee Burnett (Stephanie), and Ariana Nirchi. Great grandchildren Sadie Oberg, Khloe Nirchi, Jayden Nirchi and Victoria Rose Burnett. Brother Mark Oberg (Lynn) and Sister-In-Law Veronica Oberg.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 23 ^rd at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska with Monsignor Steven Kachel officiating. There will be no public visitation prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.