Ishpeming – Kenneth "Ken" B. Mager, age 56, passed away Monday, July 27th, 2009 at Marquette County Medical Care Facility under the loving care of his family, the devoted and caring staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility and Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Ken was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on March 4, 1953, the son of the late Clayton and Cecelia (Hebert) Mager. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School and worked as a heavy equipment mechanic. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and long rides in the woods. Ken liked to tinker and was a natural handyman most often found in his garage. He took pleasure in going to car shows and was a member of the Superior Street Rod Club for many years.

Ken is survived by his wife Sandra Mager of Ishpeming, three daughters: Rebecca (Bill) Morcom, Lisa (Randy) Hay, Traci (Ray) Champion all of Ishpeming, 5 grandchildren: Will Zhulkie, Kent, Blake, & Rachel Hay & MaKenna Champion, two sisters, Sharon (Daniel) Burton of Three Lakes, Carolyn (Michael) Pasternak of Omaha, NB, along with a special sister in-law, Gloria and 4 nephews, Steve "Smiley" Mager, Scott, Steve and Mark Burton. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Steven.

They say a CHAMPION is someone who gets up, EVEN WHEN THEY CAN'T. Anyone who spent time with Ken during his long courageous battle with cancer knows he was truly a CHAMPION.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you, and whispered "Come to me". With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Ishpeming Cemetery.