Kenneth Adams

Funeral Mass for Kenneth Adams, 83, of Belfield, ND, will be 10:30 am Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Belfield with Father Shane Campbell celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery. 

Visitation for Kenneth will be 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Monday, July 7, 2025 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson with rosary and vigil service taking place at 6 pm. 

Kenneth passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at St. Lukes Home in Dickinson, ND

Kenneth L. Adams was born May 18, 1942 to Michael and Emma (Patrikus) Adams on the family farm southeast of Fryburg, ND. Ken began attending the Fryburg School in 1948, completing all eight grades there. He then worked for different farmers and ranchers in the area. In 1964 he was drafted into the US Army. Due to family hardship, Ken was transferred to the Army Reserve in April 1965. After his discharge, Ken went home and rented the family farm from his parents. During that time, he also worked for Billings County on a road crew. In 1973, Kenneth bought the farm from his parents, continuing to work for different contractors, running dozers and scrapers, and building roads and oil sites. As an entrepreneur, from 1979-2004, Ken owned his own business (K.A. Batco,) which he used to blast and tamp for many contractors.

Ken was a true rancher, always having a passion for livestock. He fed calves every fall and winter, buying and selling them, finding true enjoyment. During this time, he sent many loads of cattle to a feedlot in Nebraska to be finished, yet he retained ownership.

Ken enjoyed collecting many things but was most fond of his John Deere tractors collection. His collection consisted of eleven 30 Series tractors, the last of the two cylinder models. Ken was proud to share his tractors in many parades. John Deere toys  and other John Deere collectibles, coins and guns, were among his vast collectibles. He would proudly show and explain unique features to his guests.

On November 27, 1987 Kenneth married Frances Fugere Adams. Even though her nine children were all grown and gone from home, it was a new chapter for him since most lived close by and others often visited. He was puzzled over these numerous "family reunions" (as he described them). During their 37 years of marriage, Ken and Frances enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends and to see many different places. When Frances's health became delicate, he provided her the daily care required, continuing to socialize with their friends as much as possible. Ken enjoyed bowling 3 times a week, being a competitive bowler. He enjoyed gardening and loved playing cards. He played to win.

Ken was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and was very active in other community activities.

Ken is survived by seven step-daughters: Arlinda (Dennis) O'Brien and Michele Burian (Kris Hanson), Bismarck, Roxie (Tom) Inman, Fairfield, Tammy (Les) Simnioniw, Belfield, Amy Jo (Dave) Burland, Arlee, MT, Tracy (Aaron) Kessel, Sidney, MT, and Lori Shypkoski (Roger Rossow), Medora, 2 stepsons: Kevin (Laura Godowski) Fugere, Belfield, and Blane (Linda) Fugere, Dickinson, 26 step-grandchildren, and 34 step-great grandchildren along with sister-in-law Judy (Jim) Ramsey, Las Cruces, NM. Also surviving him is a niece, Clarissa (Mike) Kottre, Lincoln, ND.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Frances (October 2024), his parents, Mike and Emma Adams, brother Willard, sister-in-law Sylvia Adams, nephew Donny Adams, niece Quadraline Adams, step sons-in-law Cliff Anderson and Maynard Burian, step daughter-in-law Cindie Fugere, and three step grandsons, Dwight Anderson, Seth O'Brien and Jared Burian.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the St.Bernard's Cemetery Endowment Fund.