Dr. Kenneth Kihle passed away at his Lake Metigoshe Home July 9th, 2021, with his family by his side. His memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Lunch will be held at the Bottineau County Veterans Hall in Bottineau following the service.

Dr. Kenneth Kihle was born April 4th, 1934, in Noonan, North Dakota. His parents were Art and Linnie Kihle.  In 1940, the family moved to Minot where he graduated from high school in 1952. During his adolescent years, he delivered papers and cleaned the McGee Law offices to supplement the family's incomes. He attended one year of college at Minot State then transferred to the University of North Dakota in 1953. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in arts and sciences and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He attended two years of medical school at UND. In 1957, he transferred to Kansas University School of Medicine and received his degree in medicine in 1959. He interned at St. John's Hospital in Fargo from 1959-1960.

He and LeAnn Cole were married June 3rd, 1957, in Sarles, North Dakota. In July of 1960, they moved to Bottineau, North Dakota where he began his medical practice with Dr. Bill McCullough. He co-founded the Bottineau Clinic and was instrumental in raising $280,000 towards St. Andrews Hospital addition. He helped create the Bottineau Ambulance service in 1961 and served as both medical director and instructor for 40 years. He was an assistant professor and preceptor for clerkships for UND medical school. Ken served as regional vice president of the American Heart Association. He was the medical consultant for Head Start preschool. He also served as Federal Aviation Association medical examiner. Ken was a member of the Bottineau school board for 12 years. He was one of the founders of the foundation at Dakota College in Bottineau. Dr. Kihle was a founder, director, and instructor at Turtle Mountain School of medical technique for 25 years. He proudly helped organize the youth hockey program and the Bottineau Winter Park ski lodge. Ken served on the Concert Series Board and as president of the Lake Metigoshe Improvement Association. He served in the Army Reserve from 1961-1963 and North Dakota National Guard from 1963-1968. Dr. Kihle served as medical director of the Bottineau Good Samaritan Center until present. He received many awards during his career which included the J.C. Distinguished Service Award, National Merit Award from the American Heart Association, and the Outstanding Rural Provider Award in 2007. In 2010, Dr. Kihle was recognized for 50 years of service to the community of Bottineau but continued to practice in Bottineau and Westhope.

Dr. Kihle was 22-year cancer survivor and encouraged his patients to take all treatments available. He was an avid reader, gardener, and loved to travel. With his family, he traveled to all 50 states. He and LeAnn traveled to 55 countries, visiting all seven continents and had the opportunity to be a part of a 21-day tour around the world. Of all the places visited, Dr. Kihle was able to return to Thailand 14 times, to China 3 times, Australia twice, and many times to Jamaica. Ken loved the Lord, his family, country, community, and patients.

He is survived by his wife, LeAnn, sons, Timothy (Cynthia) of Bottineau, Mark of Vail, Colorado, and Todd (Jo) of Bottineau; and the joy of his life, his grandchildren, Zachary Kihle of Bottineau and Alexis Kihle of Denver, Colorado; brother Galen (Verla) of Minneapolis and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother, Donald, and sister-in-law Judy.

Memorials may be sent to the Kihle Family Scholarship at Dakota College or Bottineau Youth Hockey program.

His service will be livestreamed on Thursday, June 15, 2021 at 2:00 pm at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea4cdOpddDY Dr. Kenneth Kihle Memorial Service .