Obituary/Kenneth Pagnac, 76

Kenneth “Ken” Lee Pagnac, 76, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away in his home with his wife and daughter by his side on August 17, 2026. 

Ken was born to Glenn Edward and Leah (Deschene) Pagnac in Crookston, MN, on June 20, 1950. He was raised on the family farm outside of Argyle, MN. When he was growing up, the Pagnac and Deschene families spent lots of time together, instilling in Ken the importance of family. He attended school first at St. Rose Catholic School and then eventually at Argyle High School, where he graduated in 1969. Following his graduation, he attended school at Thief River Falls Area Vocational Technical Institute (AVTI), where he studied auto repair. 

On July 25, 1970, Ken married Nancy Nordin in St. Rose Catholic Church in Argyle. They moved to Karlstad, MN, and had a daughter, Ericka. They attended First Lutheran Church in Karlstad for many years. 

 Ken worked as head custodian at Karlstad School for 35 years. He loved his job there, mostly for the people. Over the years, while maintaining his job at the school, he also worked at the hardware store and Karlstad Korner gas station. He and his family also owned and operated KEN’s Kitchen in Karlstad. People would often ask Ken why they named the restaurant after him, to which he would reply that they didn’t. KEN stood for Ken, Ericka, and Nancy. They worked together as a family serving the community through their restaurant and catering services for many years. In 2010, after Ken retired from his job at the school, he and Nancy moved to Grand Forks, where they’ve lived ever since. 

Growing up on a farm, having a background in auto repair, and working as head custodian at a school, it’s no wonder Ken was a jack of all trades. There was nothing he couldn’t do – or wasn’t willing to do. He loved to help people and was a hard worker. Ken was very involved in his community. Over the years, he served as a volunteer firefighter, director of the Karlstad Ambulance Board, and he and Nancy worked as House Parents in the Karlstad Group Home. 

Ken loved to play golf and keep up with sporting events. He especially loved the Vikings and rarely missed a game. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ken is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Ericka Pagnac, Grand Forks, ND; his brother, Elmer (Doreen) Pagnac, Hibbing, MN.; his sisters-in-law, Diane Pagnac, East Grand Forks, MN, Marion Pagnac, Warren, MN, Kathryn (Nathan) Britten, Karlstad, MN, and Susan Nordin, Karlstad, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Leah Pagnac; his mother- and father-in-law, Geneva and Willard Nordin; his brothers, Clarence, Denis, and Duane Pagnac; his sister, Verla Stuart; and his brother-in-law, Tim Nordin.

A funeral service for Ken will be held on Wednesday, August 26 at 4:00 p.m. at University Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be held at the church for an hour before the service. Interment will be in Karlstad City Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the University Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Austin Funeral Home, Hallock, MN.