Kenneth “Ken” E. Gowdy, 88, of Roseville, died May 8, 2025. He was born May 23, 1936, in Hibbing, to the Rev. Vernon and Lois (Cook) Gowdy, the second of five children.

He graduated from Duluth’s Denfeld High School, and went on to receive a bachelor of arts degree at UMD (1958); a bachelor of arts and theology from St. Paul Bible College (1960); a bachelor of divinity from Bethel Theological Seminary (1963); and a doctorate from Fordham University (1979).

Ken served as pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in St. James, Manitoba, (1963–’65); assistant professor at Nyack Missionary College, N.Y. (1965–’68); social worker for Youth Development, Inc., East Harlem, NYC (1968–’69); associate. professor of Sociology, Bethel College, St. Paul (1971–’93); and bus driver, Metro Transit (1993–2002).

Ken married Shirley Benson in 1958, and together they raised four daughters. Ken was a lifelong learner and a gifted and beloved teacher, impacting his children, college students and many adult learners in Bible studies and book discussion groups. He saw himself as a midwife to his students’ growth and discoveries.

His Christian faith, his love of the Bible, and his and Shirley’s lifelong search for how to live as the people of God in contemporary U.S. society were central to his life. Ken lived his life with compassion and integrity, sought justice for all and was a careful steward of God’s creation.

He and Shirley tried to live simply, so that others could simply live. He sought self-knowledge and wasn’t afraid to live with unanswered questions.

Although intellectually focused, Ken developed and shared practical skills such as painting and roofing. Upon retirement, he enjoyed Bible study, golf, Sudoku and washing the dishes at the end of each day. The family’s favorite quote of his: “Every meal deserves a dessert.” This wise and loving man will be missed by his family, church community and many others.

Ken is survived by his wife; four daughters: Rebecca Emmons (Robert); Christine Gowdy-Jaehnig (Mark), Sharon Gowdy Wagener (Fred), and Sarah Lempia (Bryan); six grandchildren; three siblings: JoAnne Weaver, John Gowdy (Shirley) and Kathleen Kramer (Donovan); and three siblings-in-law: Marilyn Benson (Tim Wulling), Orland Abel, and David Benson (Sally Anne).

A memorial service was scheduled at St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ at 1 p.m. on Fri., June 27. Please direct memorials to The Land Stewardship Project, St. Anthony Park UCC.