Kenneth "Ken" Marlin Bipes age 82 of Apple Valley, MN, formerly of Burnsville, MN, passed
away on December 29, 2025, in Burnsville. Ken was born on January 31, 1943, in Hutchinson,
MN to Melvin and Erma (nee: Koebnick) Bipes. He was raised on a farm near Cosmos, MN and
graduated from Cosmos High School in 1961. Ken married Marilyn Ebbers Lange on July 2,
l977 in Burnsville.
Ken is proceeded in death by his parents, son-in-law Ronald Smith II, and brother-in-law,
Gerhardt Oeltjenbruns. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Bipes; adoring children, Brian
(Miranda) Bipes, Lisa Olsen, Tammy (Rich) Fink, and Pam Smith; grandchildren, Joseph and
Brooklyn Bipes, Andy (Kim) Rasmussen, Alyssa (Bryan) Woitas, Cody (Maddie) Rasmussen,
Jack, Benjamin, Abbey Fink, and Sam and Alex Eichacker; great grandchildren, Kyle and Lane
Ramussen, Ryder and Sawyer Woitas, and Kara and Callen Rasmussen; siblings, Robert
(Karalee) Bipes, and Carol Oeltjenbruns.
After graduating from high school, Ken worked as a mechanic holding roles of increasing
responsibility due to his incredible work ethic, ingenuity and mechanical aptitude. He steadily
advanced his career through his diligence serving as Plant Supervisor for Fairway Construction
and later assuming a similar role at Carlson Tractor. In 1976, Ken began his illustrious career at
Dakota County Highway Department where he devoted his talents for the remainder of his
career until his retirement in 2004. While at Dakota County, he earned acclaim for his leadership
and service and rose through the ranks where he began as a mechanic, was later promoted to
Assistant Highway Superintendent, and ultimately served as Superintendent of Dakota County
Highways which he proudly held for 20 years.
Ken loved his family unconditionally and took pride in their accomplishments. He was a source
of strength and comfort and was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends or
simply offer a kind ear and counsel. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, and riding his "Gator" on
Buck Hill and giving the neighborhood kids a ride. Ken also enjoyed attending Professional Bull
Riding (PBR) events across the U.S. where he forged treasured friendships with his PBR
enthusiasts. Ken loved driving his Ford truck and was proud to have visited 49 states and all the
presidential libraries.
A luncheon will be served to celebrate Ken's life at 12PM, on Saturday January 10 at
Applewood Pointe of Apple Valley Senior Living, 12450 Drayton Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124
followed by a time for reflection and sharing at 1PM.