K.W. “Kenny” Dunlap, 95, of Bemidji, MN died Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Neilson Place, Bemidji. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2018 at First Lutheran Church, Bemidji with Pastor Corey Fuhrman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Interment will be in Fern Township Cemetery, Becida. Arrangements were entrusted to the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji. Kenny Dunlap was born June 27, 1922 to William and Selma Dunlap and raised in Becida.
Growing up he farmed, raised livestock and hunted. We doubt there were very many woods in Becida that went unexplored. He so enjoyed the outdoors and chasing the elusive whitetail and was able to sit in his blind last deer season at the age of 95.
He also rode his snowmobile and 4- wheeler on a regular basis feeding his deer and birds and checking his game cameras. He was proud of his pictures of deer, wolves, bear and turkeys and was quick to share with everyone. From 9th grade on he boarded in town while attended Bemidji High School.
He was a proud graduate of the class of 1940. After graduation he entered the Army during WWII and trained with the infantry. After completing his training he tested and was accepted into Officer and Flight Training.
He trained and piloted a variety of aircraft. Upon his honorable discharge he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve for 20 years, retiring as a Major. He married Peggy Preston in Bemidji on June 28, 1947.
They were married 63+ years before her passing in 2011. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them and his many friends. Ken and Peggy spent many winters in Arizona with Ken leading numerous hiking expeditions into the mountains.
Ken sold Fords and Mercury vehicles for many decades in Bemidji. We were reminded often that he was responsible for selling people their first cars. Always believing in the importance of service to his Country and community, Ken was an active member of the following organizations: Ralph Gracie American Legion Post #14 (Past Commander and Executive Committee member); the 40/8; Free and Accepted Masons; AAD Shrine based in Duluth; Headwaters Shrine Club; Jaycee’s (Past President); the Boy Scouts; and served on the Bemidji City Council.
He is survived by his sons and their wives, Bill and Donna of Minnetonka, Keven and Connie of Sartell/Becida and Joel and Tammy of Bemidji. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Dana Paulson and Mark Liner (Anika and Greta), Kristin and Jim Hammond (Jamey and wife Taylor and Hayden and husband Jordan), Jamey and Kelly Dunlap (Mason and Mackenzie), Ben and Kristin Dunlap (Will, Madalyn and Evelyn), Amy and Jeff Krona (Lily and Bjorn), Rob and Laura Dunlap (Brody and Elise), Andy Dunlap and Ali Eiden, Troy Dunlap and Jacey Dunlap. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Selma Dunlap; wife, Peggy; brother, Curtis (Bud) Dunlap and sister, Joyce Doyle.
Online guestbook at www.
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