Kenneth 'Ken' Nissen

Funeral services for Ken Nissen, of Morris, Minnesota, will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris with Reverend Christopher Richards officiating. A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will be at Summit Cemetery in Morris.

Kenneth LeRoy Nissen was born on July 25, 1931, in Hancock, Minnesota, to parents Harry and Viola (Neeseman) Nissen. He was raised on the family farm, southwest of Hancock, and attended country school, District #45, graduating for the 8th grade. He then attended the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, Minnesota. On March 16, 1950, Ken was united in marriage to Verlys Shaw of Morris, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they farmed with Ken’s parents until 1954 when they moved to Owatonna. Ken was employed with OMC until February 1956, when he joined the Owatonna Police Department as a Patrolman. Ken’s career with the OPD spanned 31 years, moving from the rank of Patrolman, Patrol Sergeant, Sergeant Investigator, to Assistant Chief. In 1972, Ken was appointed the position of Chief of Police of the department of 21 officers. Ken served in that capacity the remaining time of his career, until his retirement in July 1986. Following his retirement, they moved back to Morris, Minnesota. While in Morris, Ken drove school bus and also drove cars for Arvid Beyer Ford and Morris Auto Plaza to the auto auctions and dealer trades. In 2013, after Verlys’ death, Ken moved into the Skyview Plaza, where he continued to live until the time of his death.

Ken was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, the Elks, Eagle’s, Mason’s and the Shriners-Zuhrah Temple. He enjoyed fishing, and was always willing to do the cleaning! Ken and Verlys road tripped to every state in the United States, except one, Hawaii. Ken was proud of his work and his ability to provide and care for this family. While reflecting on his life, Ken stated: “If he had to live his life over again, he wouldn’t change a thing. He did the best he knew how and tried to treat everyone fairly and respectfully.”

Ken died peacefully, at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, on July 25, 2025, his 94th birthday.

Ken is survived by his daughter: Lorena (Dave) Wilking of Morris; 4 grandchildren: Gregory Kirkbride of Sparks, NV, Jeffrey (Sarah) Kirkbride of Rohnert Park, CA, Athena (Mike) Green of Spokane, WA, and Aletha (Mike) Ream of Largo, FL; 4 great-grandchildren: Finn and Morgan Kirkbride, Reid Green, and Tristan Ream; brother, Richard (Jan) Nissen of Shakopee; sister, Ruth Anderson of Simi Vally, CA; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of arrangements for Ken.