Kenneth Bartes

Kenneth D. Bartes, age 80, of Backus passed away peacefully on April 11, 2015 in Weslaco, TX (his winter home) after a long battle with lung problems. Ken and his wife Shirley (of nearly 62 years), were members of the Backus Lions, serving the community for 21 years. Never a stranger for long, Ken was a kind and gentle soul who loved the outdoors, animals of all kinds, fishing, playing cards, gardening, reading, country music, and especially his hummingbirds-dozens were constantly at his feeders, drinking up to a gallon a day of his special elixir. Ken loved life itself, and always had a big smile, an infectious laugh, and a story to tell - he will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Ken is survived by his wife Shirley, son Gary (Pamela), daughter Pam (Glen), son-in-law Don Ericson and a large extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 29286 Highway 371 in Pequot Lakes, on May 30, 2015 at 1PM with a luncheon to follow his service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's favorite charity or directed to the family c/o Kline Funeral Home, P.O. Box 511, Pine River, MN, 56474.