Goodridge – Tony Kiesow, 48, of Goodridge, passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at his residence.
Tony Dewein Kiesow was born on August 11, 1976, in Thief River Falls, the beloved son of Charles and Louann (Lappegaard) Kiesow. Tony was baptized and confirmed at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Grygla, where he began his lifelong journey of faith. He attended Goodridge School and graduated with the Class of 1995. Following high school, he earned an Associate Degree in Auto Mechanics from Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls.
On February 17, 2001, Tony married his sweetheart, Nicole Burns, in a beautiful ceremony in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Together they were blessed with three lovely children: Alexis, Kayla, and Hunter. They built their home and settled on Grandpa Kiesow’s farm in Moylan Township, rural Goodridge — a place filled with family history and cherished memories.
Tony’s main occupation was farming on the Kiesow family farm, where he took great pride in working the land and continuing the family legacy. In addition to farming, he drove school bus for the Goodridge School District and also worked in construction, always willing to lend a hand and put in a hard day’s work.
Tony will be remembered as a quiet, compassionate, and thoughtful man who would help anyone in need. He was hardworking, dependable, and deeply devoted to his family. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and family man whose love and presence will be deeply missed.
Tony enjoyed racing dirt bikes and snowmobiles with his son Hunter, driving around in his Ranger through the woods with his dogs, and most of all, spending time with his family.
Survivors include his loving wife, Nicole of Goodridge; children, Lexi (Tanner) Skansgaard of Goodridge, Kayla Kiesow of Ada, and Hunter Kiesow of Goodridge; grandson, Hudson, born July 19, 2025; mother, Louann Kiesow of Goodridge; siblings, Linda Brown, Steven Kiesow, and Alan (Tami) Kiesow; mother-in-law, Diane (Dean Lamb) Burns; brother-in-law, Jeremy (Laurie) Burns; and sister-in-law, Allison (Scott) Weinmann; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Charlie Kiesow on June 30, 2025; father-in-law, Rodney Burns; brothers-in-law, Robb Brown, Jared and Nicholas Burns; and sister-in-law, Natalie Burns in infancy.
Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the service to celebrate Tony’s life at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, with Rev. Kris Snyder officiating. Burial will be at Jerusalem Cemetery, rural Goodridge.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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