Humboldt – Kenneth C. Irwin, age 56, of 1501 Co Rd FB, Champion, MI passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016 at U.P. Health System Marquette where he had been a patient since Wednesday.

Kenny was born June 25, 1960 in Ishpeming the son of Gordon J. Irwin and Gretchen "Penny" (Hill).  Kenny grew up in Marquette and attended the Fisher Elementary School prior to moving to Negaunee, where he attended the Negaunee High School and was a member of the Class of 1978.  Ken worked for A. Lindberg and Sons from 1987 – 2002 as a heavy equipment operator.  He then became Business Agent for the Operating Engineers Local 324 from 2002-2016, prior to returning to A. Lindberg & Sons this past year.

Kenny was a past President of the U.P. Building Trades Council, was on the Board of Directors for the Upper Peninsula Construction Council, he was a Delegate to the Marquette County Labor Council, was a certified MSHA instructor, and a former member of the Champion Volunteer Fire Department. He was a strong advocate for the trades and a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 324 for 29 years.

Kenny loved hunting, fishing, and spending time at camp with his family.  Recently he had a passion for attending local auctions.  His grandson Colton became the apple of his eye, and he cherished their time together.

Survivors include his wife Michele (Ekdahl) Irwin of Humboldt whom he married on February 10, 1984 in Michigamme, daughter Andrea (Chad) Glisson of Humboldt and grandson Colton Glisson, sister Kristine (Paul Merrill) Irwin of Ishpeming, brother Michael (Sue) Irwin of Glendale, AZ, step-father David (Nancy Kiertzner) Karhi of Negaunee, father-in-law Gerald Ekdahl of Champion, nephew Nathan (Jhen) Irwin, niece Brandi Bartlett along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents Gordon Irwin and Gretchen "Penny" Karhi and his mother-in-law Carol Ekdahl.

Ken's family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00pm – 5:00pm on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming.  Memorial services will follow at 5:00pm on Thursday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Sister Margey Schmelzle to officiate.  Interment will take place at the Champion Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow the services at the Negaunee Eagles, 309 Iron St., in Negaunee.

Ken's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .