Kenneth Richard Vorgert

He was born in Minnesota on Dec. 30, 1953, to Ervin and Marie Vorgert. He grew up in Lake Park and Perham, Minnesota, and attended the University of Minnesota Duluth. In 1976, he married Colette, beginning a 50-year marriage filled with family, travel, and countless memories.

Ken spent 35 years working at the USDA, traveling the world to analyze and certify the quality of milk and cheese. He and Colette lived in Winfield, Illinois, for 25 years, where they raised their children, Kelsey and Cody. After retiring in 2016, Ken and Colette moved to Kingston, Tennessee, eventually moving to Castle Rock, Colorado.

Ken loved spending time outdoors biking, running, kayaking, visiting national parks, and camping in the Boundary Waters. He competed in several races and marathons, including the Chicago Marathon, Grandma’s Marathon, and turkey trots. He also loved spending time on Minnesota lakes, reading, sipping a Diet Coke or IPA, playing Farkle and cribbage, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends.

Ken’s outlook on life was rooted in faith, kindness, and family, always making time for the people and activities he loved.

He will be remembered for his numerous sayings, or Kenisms, such as “I never drink unless I’m alone or with somebody,” “A bad day at the lake is better than a good day at work,” and “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.”

Ken is survived by his wife Colette; daughter Kelsey (Nick) Spahar; son Cody (Cassidy) Vorgert; three grandchildren; and siblings: Gerry, Ivy, Tom, and Maryln. He will be deeply missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held in Minnesota’s Detroit Lakes area at a later date. Additional details to come.