Kenneth Clouston

Kenneth Reese Clouston, 81, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on June 17, 2026. Known to many as Ken, Kenny, or Beetle, he lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and a deep love for his community.

Ken was born December 12, 1944, in Mandan to Kenneth and Marion (Lantz) Clouston. He attended Sunny Country School and graduated from Mandan High School in 1963. He studied and played baseball at Bismarck Junior College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Teaching from Dickinson State College. During high school and college, Ken was active in football, wrestling, baseball, and boxing. His love of sports stayed with him throughout his life. Whether he was keeping score in the press box, cheering from the stands, or following local athletes, Ken was one of their most loyal fans.

Although Ken did not spend his career teaching in a traditional classroom, he was a teacher in many other ways. He shared what he knew freely, guided others with patience and humor, and led by example through his work on the railroad, his service in the National Guard, hunter safety, and community education. He was full of facts and stories, especially about history and the military, and was always glad to share them with anyone willing to listen. Many will remember Beetle’s monthly “class letter,” an entertaining summary of recent events in the area that kept friends and classmates connected. In addition to writing, Ken loved to read and often had several books going at the same time.

Railroading was in Ken’s blood. He came from a long line of railroad men, including his father, grandfather, father-in-law, and uncles. Ken began his 40-year railroad career as a switchman and worked his way up to conductor. He also served as chairman of the Mandan Operation Stop and Operation Lifesaver programs, received the 1992 Presidential Award from Burlington Northern, and was a founding member of the North Dakota Railroad Museum.

Ken retired as Command Sergeant Major after 24 years in the ND Army National Guard and received multiple recognitions for his service and merit. Shortly after his retirement, the Bismarck unit he had been part of was called into action in the Persian Gulf. Ken wanted to rejoin, but his then Commander-in-Chief, Gail, put a stop to that.

Ken married his best friend, Gail Cecilia Brunelle, on August 12, 1967, in Mandan. Together they raised four children: Kenneth L. Clouston (Christine), Kristin Clouston, Daniel R. Clouston (Alicia), and Mary Beth (CJ) Rigdon. He especially treasured his grandchildren: Kenneth Cordell (Jessica) Clouston, Kyler Reese Clouston, Reece Daniel Clouston, and Joseph James Rigdon. His greatest joys were his faith, family, and volunteering.

Ken had a servant’s heart, and his volunteering reached far and wide. He gave his time generously to his church, veterans, youth, local athletics, the railroad community, and countless neighbors and friends. He was recognized by induction into the Railway Credit Union Hall of Fame, named North Dakota Credit Union Volunteer of the Year, and honored by the Mandan Legion Post 40 Hall of Fame. Ken took great pride in his chaplain duties for the Honor Guard, where he led more than 1,800 military funerals. He was a loyal volunteer with Railway Credit Union since 2004 and held a Director Emeritus position up to his passing. He was also an active member of the American Legion for more than 60 years. If there was a way to help, Ken usually found it.

In addition to volunteering and supporting local athletics, Ken enjoyed keeping score in the press box at Mandan ballpark, attending NDSU championship football games, fishing, hunting, and traveling. Ken and Gail took multiple cruises and trips overseas with friends. They especially loved visiting their grandsons in WY, Clouston “roots” in Scotland and spending time with dear friends, the Sanchez/Bumbs, in Spain and Portugal.

Ken will be remembered for his stories, his steady faith, his love of history, his devotion to Gail and their family, and his willingness to show up when needed. He had a way of making people feel connected.

Ken is survived by his children and grandchildren; his brother, Gene (Betty) Clouston; sisters, Kay (Steve) Markel and Bette Caya; and sister-in-law, Jeanne Boespflug. Ken was also blessed with numerous wonderful nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail; parents, Kenneth and Marion Clouston; in-laws, Jean Louis and Violet Brunelle; and brothers-in-law, LeRoy Boespflug and Mark Caya.

The family expresses deep gratitude to the nurses and staff at Baptist Health & Rehab, Touchmark, Missouri Slope, occupational therapist Molly Helbling, and his providers at St. Alexius CHI and Hospice for their compassionate care during his last years. As Ken would say, “Thank you for what you’re doing.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Post 40 Mandan American Legion Honor Guard, Mandan Baseball Club, the NDSU Kenneth Clouston Family Political Science Endowment, or a charity of your choice.

Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Mandan Veterans Memorial Ballpark. Guests of the celebration are welcome to wear Braves, Chiefs, or Bison gear — or comfortable clothing.