Kenneth Clair Cordingley, 81, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at his home.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Tom Penrod of Immanuel Wecota Church and Concordia Cresbard Church, officiating.
A time for fellowship and refreshments will follow the service at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center.
Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s website following the service.
Kenneth Clair Cordingley was born August 16, 1943, in Montevideo, MN, to Clair and Hannah (Smith) Cordingley. He was raised on a farm northeast of Montevideo, eventually moving into town during his high school years. He attended schools in Montevideo and graduated in 1961. Ken was active in track, FFA, and 4H.
Ken enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1962. He served in Southeast Asia and was honorably discharged in December 1965. While stationed in Florida, he married Janet Busbee. They had three children: Terry, Tracy, and Tami. In 1967, Ken began working for the Milwaukee Railroad as a brakeman and later as a conductor, taking trains from Montevideo to Fargo and Aberdeen. In 1976, Ken married Ruth Ann Maus, and they had two children: Nicole and Michael. When the Milwaukee folded in 1982, Ken transferred to BNSF and moved his family to Aberdeen, where he has since resided.
Ken absolutely loved the outdoors, having gardens and flower beds, and watching all sports, but his favorite was football. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, especially loving whitetail deer and waterfowl. His favorite fishing holes were Lac qui Parle, MN, and Big Stone, MN. He had MANY stories to share with friends, family, and strangers.
After Ken suffered a career-ending injury from a train wreck in 1995, he taught himself (with the help of many mentors) about antiques and collectibles. He began a home business and enjoyed many trips to sell, buy, and trade.
Ken loved his family dearly and enjoyed hearing about their experiences and life updates. Life took his children and grandchildren in many different directions. It was fun to watch and hear what was happening with all their various school and summer activities.
Ken is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ruth; children: Terry (Tuesday) Cordingley, Tracy (Scott) Kittelson, Tami (Todd) Croy, Nicole (Justin) Dikoff, and Mike (Brittni) Cordingley; grandchildren: Trevor, Tyler, Anthony, Tanner, Rilie, Calin, Ragan, Mason, Kennedy, Lincoln, Parker, Landon, Deven, Bennett, and Adelyn; great-grandchildren: Norah, McKenzie, Madison, Tobias, Tia, Lily, and Sebastian; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Marsha (Tim) Radenmacher, Cheryl Edling, and Bruce Maus.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Hannah; sister, Mary Ellen Anderson; grandson, Kadin Huntley; daughter-in-law, Cat Cordingley; and several extended family members.
Honorary pallbearers will be all his grandchildren, Erv Malsom, and Boyd Hagenson.
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