In loving memory of

Ken Millard
December 31, 1936 - March 28, 2021

Kenneth Fred Millard, 84, of St. Charles, passed away peacefully at home with his family on March 28th. He did not let cancer take him down without a fight. His response to his daughter's questions about his wellbeing usually started with phrases like "well, I'm still on the right side of the grass" or "finer than frogs' hair." He was determined to enjoy life until the last minute, joking (sometimes arguing) with family, friends and caregivers while Marshall Matt Dillon, John Wayne or some other western hero was blaring on the TV in the background.

Ken was born December 31, 1936 in St. Charles. will be remembered for his strength and patriotism. He was a Korean War veteran who first served in the Army Reserves for 2 years while in high school and then the Navy from 1955-1959. Part of his time was spent on the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown as an airplane mechanic. He was very proud of his service and loved telling stories of his adventures in Hawaii, California, Japan and the Philippines.
After his military service he went into business with his father at Millard Construction. Their earth moving business-built roads in the summer and kept them clear in the winter. This love of roads later led him to driving tour bus for many years as he really enjoyed taking groups to many great sights all over the US. He had visited every state except Alaska.
Ken loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He spent many hours floating on Lake Pepin and traveled to South Dakota and Michigan to reel in "the big one." He always generously shared the catch with family and friends. Ken was a member of the St. Moose Lodge, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign War Posts, having served as past commander and honor guard of the VFW. He was also a member of Rising Sun Masonic Lodge and the Osman Temple Shrine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred & Betty Millard, and sister Reta Marcy. He is survived by his sister Roma Hamborsky (San Antonio, TX).
Ken married Margaret Davidson on January 13, 1962 and had 2 daughters, Karin (Greg) Wallgren and Nancy (Kyle) Christie.
He has four grandchildren: Leah (Doug) Price, Kurt (Elise) Wallgren, Kennan Christie and Jaxon Christie. He also loved watching his 3 grand-dogs Wookie, Kizzi and Lego's crazy antics.
We will be celebrating Ken's life on Monday, April 5, 2021 from 10:30 - 1:30 p.m. at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. He will be laid to rest at Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Preston 3 p.m. Monday, with military graveside honors.
A special thank you to all his friends, neighbors, caregivers, and Seasons Hospice. You helped make his life wonderful and his final journey peaceful.
Please share a memory of Ken and view his video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com. Memorials are preferred to the St Charles Moose Scholarship Fund.

Tributes

Pat & Don Zingler wrote on Apr 6, 2021:

"So sorry for your loss, Ken was one of our best teen friends !"

Karen and Mikel Walters wrote on Apr 1, 2021:

"I will really miss our visits at the Moose Lodge. He had a giant heart and you always knew that he cared. Sending our deepest sympathy to all of his loved ones. "

Tom & Olivia Heim wrote on Apr 1, 2021:

"Our Sincere Sympathy to Ken\'s family. He was such a friendly man, and we had many visits with him. Our Love and Prayers to the family. Tom and Olivia Heim"

Bill Phillips wrote on Mar 30, 2021:

"Kenny was a great man!!! He never missed a Fun filled morning at Subway! ( It could have been the endless coffee, it could have been the Friends and endless typical Coffee Drinker Talk solving the world\'s problems, But I am pretty sure it was the Cookies)... Kenny thank you for your life lessons you taught me and your service to the nation.... Miss you Grumpy"

Bill Eckles wrote on Mar 30, 2021:

"To Ken\'s Family and friends; I was so saddened to hear of Ken\'s passing. I used to work with him driving shuttle bus and I always visited with him on bingo nights at the Moose. What a kind, and all around nice guy.. Please know that you\'re in my thoughts and in my heart at this difficult time. Thank you Ken for your service and Rest In Peace."

Kim Schott Steiger wrote on Mar 30, 2021:

"I will miss Kenny\'s big hugs of hello and goodbye as well as our many conversations while at the Moose. RIP Kenny, you will be missed more than you know!"

Lisa Loppnow wrote on Mar 30, 2021:

"Thoughts of Kenny always bring a smile to my face. I have fond memories of a weekend spent at the cabin on the lake and a fishing trip to Pierre, South Dakota, many years ago. Karin and Nancy, hugs to you both and sympathy to you and your families. "

Jill Phillips wrote on Mar 29, 2021:

"Kenny was my second dad. Always at subway to have coffee he was the first one there. Everyone at that store loved him and enjoyed every advise he gave. He will be forever be missed and loved. He was a great man. Him and my husband and always had a great picking on me about everything. Love you Kenny."

Mardy Midler wrote on Mar 29, 2021:

"My sympathy and prayers to all of Ken?s family."

Donna Schultz wrote on Mar 29, 2021:

"Kenny was a nice and generous man. We spent time together fishy, playing cards, taking mini trips doing pull tabs and many other things. He is going to be missed. No more pain Rest In Peace Kenny Love Donna"

Chuck mccarthy wrote on Mar 29, 2021:

"Always nice guy and fun guy . Our prayers are with the family"

Janell Dahl wrote on Mar 29, 2021:

"Ken was one of the nicest guys you could meet. He will be missed by many. Blessings to his family and friends. Janell"

Kathy Decker wrote on Mar 29, 2021:

"So very sorry for your loss. Ken was a great guy. Loved visiting with him and he always gave the best hugs!! Kathy and Paul Decker"