Kenneth "Ken" Kuylen

Funeral Mass for Kenneth "Ken" Kuylen, 71, of Sturgis, SD, formerly of Pick City, ND, will be 2:00 pm Friday, October 13, 2023 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Monsignor Thomas Richter celebrating.

Kenneth Francis entered the world on March 20, 1952, the son of Andrew and Martha (Kostelecky) Kuylen.  He grew up a farm boy full of spunk, was a South Heart School student and graduated in 1971. He then became a college boy who studied the art of welding at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton. Ken met the love of his life Cynthia Marsh in high school. They became Mr. & Mrs. Kuylen on July 19, 1974, in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in New Hradec.  As a married couple, Clinton MN became their first home. As a pipefitter/welder, Ken’s job took them across the US.  In Fort Worth, TX they welcomed their son, Christopher. In St. George, UT their family was completed with daughter, Kelly.  Ken had an exceptional talent as a welder, building power plants from 1974 through 2013. Pick City, ND was his final home as a pipefitter before retirement. He often claimed he wasn’t a foreman but was ‘always’ the foreman. Ken served as the Sergeant of Arms of Local 300 Union Pipefitters. He was also Fire Chief for Pick City. Ken and Cindy’s final move was to Sturgis, SD, where the real spirit of Ken was always alive.

The story of Ken as we know it, is an amazing one. He was a man who loved the adventure of mischief in his younger days. He was a Harley man through and through who traveled many miles across the country with his lovely sidekick wife, loving the beauty and serenity of the outdoors. Hunting and especially fishing would light him up! He loved the water! Ken enjoyed a yearly fishing trip with his buddies. One of his greatest adventures was taking his family on his ‘cabin cruiser boat’ to the Bahamas, sailing from Cay Island to Cay Island. He loved putzing with old vehicles and was very proud of his 1964 Cadillac. Ken and Cindy were able to enjoy their retirement years together. They enjoyed finding treasures at auction sales. In recent years, they became beekeepers alongside their son, Chris. Kelly and Jordan gifted him with his first grandson, Bridger. His little “Bug” made him the proudest grandpa! The Ken we know was a true and genuine friend, willing to offer the shirt off his back to anyone! His smile, hug and laugh were taken much too soon from us and he will be dearly missed by many.

Ken is survived by his wife, Cindy of 49 years; son, Christopher of Halliday; daughter, Kelly (Jordan) Dyke of Hazen; grandson, Bridger Dyke; mother, Mert Kuylen of Dickinson; brothers, Pat (Kathy) of South Heart, Glenn (Stella) of Selma, TX, Bob (Brenda) of South Heart; sisters, Sue (Don) Scheeler of Bismarck, JoAnn (Glenn) Stursa of Fernley, NV, Wendy (LeRoy) Anderson of Winnemucca, NV; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his father, Andrew Kuylen; grandparents; nephew, Randy Scheeler; niece, Stephanie Kuylen.