Kenneth Judkins

Kenneth R. Judkins, 88, died on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 in St. Luke's Hospital.

He was born February 11, 1925 in Willoughby, Ohio to Frank E. and Beatrice B. (Whitehead) Judkins. During his early years his family moved many times due to his father's career in sales. After graduating from high school in Medina, Ohio, Ken served in the U. S. Marines Air Corps during World War II, in the South Pacific. He attended the University of New Mexico and graduated from Ohio State University with his bachelor's degree. Shortly after graduating in June of 1950 he married Elizabeth "Mickey" Root also of Medina, Ohio.

Ken's professional career brought him to Silver Bay, Minnesota in 1955 to work at Reserve Mining Company, where he held numerous positions including Chief Metallurgist, and Manager of Operations of the Silver Bay Division. He retired in May of 1985, after 30 years of service.

Ken's many interests included flying, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was an active member of the United Protestant Church, where he served several terms on the Board of Trustees, and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Silver Bay Barbershop Chorus and the North Shore Voices choir.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy Wadsworth; and a brother, Hobart Judkins.

Ken is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Mickey"; daughters, Sydnie (Gene) Wolfe of Duluth and Amy (Reuben) Unseth of Rochester; a son, Edward (Teresa) Judkins of Silver Bay; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sisters Winifred (Dale) Orcutt of Junction, Colorado and Martha (William) Sellars of Medina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society or to the United Protestant Church of Silver Bay.

Services will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday April 24, 2013 at the United Protestant Church in Silver Bay.