NEW ULM–Kenneth J. Beranek, age 80, of New Ulm, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025 at St. George Catholic Church in St. George. Father Gerald Meidl will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow at the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes – North Chapel in New Ulm. Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025 at the North Chapel.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Shirleen Beranek of New Ulm; his children: Glenn Beranek (Darcy), Sue Brandes (Jeff), Bonnie Fortwengler (Aaron), Vicky Hoffmann (Derek); son-in-law Craig Portner; his 15 grandchildren: Eric Beranek (Staci), Brandon Beranek (Jessie), Allison Beranek, Abigail Beranek, Austin Brandes (Ashley Streich), Kayla Verdoljak (Anthony), Kaden and Bryn Fortwengler, Madalyn and Jacob Hoffmann, Robyn Weikle (Kurt), Ryan Portner (Tori), Adam Portner (Kayla), Alex Portner (Alexa Hazelton); and 9 of his cherished great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister Annette Altmann; brothers Robert F. Beranek and Hilary Bianchi; sister-in-law Mary Jane Beranek, and brother-in-law Dick Lieb.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Adeline Beranek; stepmother Johanna Beranek; daughter Terri Portner; grandson Carter Brandes; sister Carol Lieb, brothers Robert (in infancy), Edward, Gary, and Linus Beranek, sister-in-law Kathy Bianchi, and brother-in-law Allen Altmann, and other beloved family members.

Kenneth John Beranek was born on June 6, 1945, in New Ulm to Robert and Adeline (Vetter) Beranek. He married Shirleen Altmann, on September 6, 1967, at Swan Lake Catholic Church.

Kenny spent much of his life on the family farm until 1998, when he and Shirleen moved to New Ulm. He took great pride in working side-by-side with his wife and their five children, making sure everyone had a role and learned the value of hard work. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a deep sense of dedication and responsibility. Farming was his passion along with his love of animals and the joy he found in being with family. In his later years, he took on the self-proclaimed role of “road supervisor,” keeping an eye on the planting, spraying, haymaking, and fall harvests driving throughout the country. Kenny was an active community member over the years. He participated in bowling leagues, the New Ulm Farm City Hub Club, card club, volunteered with Heartland Express and a few other part-time jobs over the years. He enjoyed sharing coffee with friends, spending evenings at the ballpark watching his grandchildren, listening to polka music, watching the Bandwagon, and taking gator rides. At the end of each day, he enjoyed having a “cheers” with family and friends. He is a lifelong member of St. George Catholic Church, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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