Ishpeming, MI- Kenneth G. Williams, age 91 of 710 Maurice Street , Ishpeming, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility where he had been a resident for the past six weeks.

Kenneth was born April 11, 1922 in Ishpeming to William E. and Evelyn (Linna) Williams. He spent several years living in Iron River as a young boy prior to returning to Ishpeming. He graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1941 and was a veteran, serving his country in the United States Army in Germany during World War II.  On April 19, 1947 Ken married Viola Pennala in North Lake at the Pennala family home, and together they raised four children.

Ken was employed by Lake Shore, Inc. in Marquette, MI where he worked as a metal fabricator.  During his working years he spent many years as president of his local union.  Ken was a founding member of and attended Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ishpeming and was a past member and chairman of the World Mission Board of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations based in Minneapolis, MN.  In that capacity he traveled to Mexico several times with the group, Partners in Mission Outreach, to help construct and restore churches and share his faith. With that desire, Ken spent many hours studying the Bible using that knowledge as a lay preacher.   He was truly a man who walked with God.

One of Ken's favorite past times was fishing, especially on the Dead River and also using his fly fishing skills on the banks of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers in Colorado.  He spent many hours handcrafting furniture from barn wood which he gave to family and friends.  He relished a good game by the Tigers, the Lions, the New England Patriots and the University of Michigan football and basketball teams. He was a lifelong fan of all Hematite sports. He enjoyed the companionship, conversations and laughter at his monthly graduating class luncheons.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Viola, four children: Nancy (Gerald) Anderson of Ishpeming, Scott (Mary) Williams of Carbondale, CO, Vicki Williams of Albuquerque, NM and Lisa (Jim) MacDonald of Carbondale, CO, a grandson, Luke (Kristin) Anderson of Negaunee, and the apple of his eye, his two great-grandchildren, Connor and Christiana Anderson, two step-grandchildren, Erin and Brandon Howard, a sister-in-law Ellen Williams of Menominee, MI and several nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Clifford and Eugene Williams and a sister, Marjorie Williams.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Michael Prevost, his nurses and staff for their excellent treatment of Ken and for Dr. Prevost's friendly demeanor that displays the human side of medicine.  Thank you also to the extremely caring staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility as well as the nurses and staff at UP Home Health.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with the Reverend Micah Hjermstad officiating.  Ken's family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Pallbearers will be David Christian, Claude Kautz, Jr., Harold LeDuc, Christopher Nelson, Gary Pennala and Brian Ulrickson.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

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