Kenneth Ament

Kenneth Joseph Ament Age 75, of Ottertail, MN, and the road, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2015. Ken was born on October 31, 1939 to Mercedes and John Ament in Bluffton, MN. He spent his early years with his many siblings and helping at home with his mom and dad. Even in later years he could be found helping his mom planting flowers and with his dad gardening. He graduated from Wadena High School, and then proceeded to start his baking career. He soon married who he called “the most beautiful girl in the world” and his partner in crime, Janie Frances Windels on November 25, 1961, with whom he had a mutual love of dancing and having good times. With his talent for baking he quickly progressed to management, and Ken took his growing family and traveled the country, opening new stores for McGlynn Bakeries and his own shop in the town of Owatonna, MN. Ken and Janie eventually moved back to the area where they grew up and opened a widely beloved bakery, Ament’s Bakery of Battle Lake, MN and its sister bakery in Detroit Lakes, MN.

To those who knew him best, he never missed the opportunity to personalize a birthday cake (favorites including Cookie Monster, Snoopy, and Garfield) and he would call to sing Happy Birthday with Janie and their dogs. An avid and voracious reader, Ken could often be found reading one of his numerous volumes on world and American history (once even reading the entire encyclopedia!). As prolific a traveler as he was a reader, he enjoyed visiting historic sites while imparting this knowledge to his three daughters, with whom he enjoyed playing games of H.O.R.S.E and softball. Led by a spontaneous spirit, Ken and Janie took full advantage of their winter months away from the bakery by enjoying every minute together adventuring the Southwest. While at home on Lake Buchanan, he tended to his vibrant gardens and spent time on the water and cooking for his many grandchildren whom he called his “treasures”. At the end of the day, he liked to relax with a classic western or a Vikings game.

Ken always wore his heart on his sleeve, and will be missed by the many he loved.

Ken is survived by his wife Janie; children, Angela (Tim) Haws, of Libertyville, IL,  Jennifer (Jim) Hertel of Elko, MN, and Molly (Eric) Lee of Roseville, MN; grandchildren, Tyler (Kate), Ali, Mackenzie, Margaret, and Gabriella Haws; Nick, Sydney, Calvin, and Sabrina Hertel; and Clara Lee; great-grandchild, due in December; siblings, John (Melva), Judy (Ed) Fazekas, Etta (Paul) Vasecka, Matt, Dan (Deb), Ruth Ament Owens, Maryann (Dwight) Line, Sharon (Dave) Brockob, Linda, Rick (Karen) and preceded in death by parents John and Mercedes, sisters Janie and Margaret, and  granddaughter Casey Haws. He also leaves behind a large extended family including special nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mass Thursday, October 8th at Noon at St. Lawrence Church, 46404 County Highway 14, Perham, MN.

Memorials to Donor’s choice preferred.