"Chuck, Barb and the whole McGuire family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry for your loss. Lyman and Susie (Pieper) Kurth"
In loving memory of
Kenneth "Ken" Joel McGuire
June 4, 1959 - July 19, 2021
Kenneth (Ken) Joel McGuire
With deepest sorrow, we announce that Ken McGuire, age 62, son, brother, uncle, family member and friend died on Monday, July 19th doing what he absolutely loved...riding his Harley with a friend.
Those who knew Ken, will miss his gift of conversation, positive attitude, kindness, humor, stories, and uncanny ability to make connections with everyone he met. Ken loved a waiting line just so that he could meet someone and get to know their story.
Ken enjoyed so many adventures in life, learned many lessons along the way and always met new friends in the multiple places he lived and worked. Mountain climbing, kayaking, sailing, camping and motorcycle riding were some of his favorite activities. He worked in appliance repair, as an electrician, building aircraft, semi-trucks, and settled in as a conductor and train engineer for many years with BNSF. He loved the wildlife and scenery from the engine of a train.
One of Ken's greatest accomplishments was more than 20 years of "one day at a time" through the support of AA. Ken had many strong mentors and was a mentor to many others participating in the program. Everyone in the program was his extended family.
Ken was born in Rochester, Minnesota. He was part of a very large extended family including 16 aunts and Uncles and 100 plus first cousins. He thought the world of all of them and is again entertaining those that passed before him. Brenda and Ken's favorite pets were their dog Riley and cat Missy.
Ken especially adored his twelve nieces and nephews and seven (about to be 8) great nieces and nephews. Ken was a very special uncle to all of them!
Ken, tragically lost his wife of more than 15 years Brenda (Stubby) McGuire only 9 months ago and was also preceded in death by his niece Kristen. He is survived by his parents Charles and Barbara McGuire, Brothers Mark (Janelle) McGuire and Kevin (Phoelisa) McGuire; sisters Mary (Steve) Tyrrel and Kathy (Brent) Graham, Father-in-law Donovan Stubby and brother-in-law Bryan (Kristi) Stubby.
Recently in an e-mail conversation with Mary he gave direction for his visitation ceremony! "OK, just prop me up beside the Juke Box and have a couple cold ones. A little bit of Clint Black and some George Straight music will be fine!"
Services for Ken will be as follows:
Petersen Funeral home, Newton, Kansas Sunday July 25th at 3:00pm. Rosary followed by a prayer service and sharing memories of Ken.
Thursday July 29th at 11:00 am. St. Charles Borromeo Church, St. Charles, Minnesota. Funeral Mass followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting Ken's family with local services. www.hofffuneral.com
In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to AA, St. Mary's church in Newton or to a charity of the donor's choice. For live stream viewing of Ken's Mass go to www.redeemersaints.org
Tributes
"Chuck, Barb, Mary, Mark,Kathy, and Kevin. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Ken. I will not even try to imagine your pain as you navigate your way under clouds of grief. It is comforting to know your strong faith is the fuel that will get you through this trying time. I have a flood of memories going through my head of you McGuire kids. Ken in particular had the most contagious laugh. He was funny even as a little kid. He was the kind of person you wanted to have sit at your table because the conversation would always be entertaining. He was a man of many gifts, kindness, witty, and a friend to all. May you Rest In Peace dear one and May your family find strength from above. We love you all so very much."