Kenneth L. Westin

Kenneth Lennard Westin, 79, passed away peacefully January 11, 2025, at his son’s home in Ironton, MN.

Ken was born to Lennard and Mildred (Korpi) Westin, October 17, 1945, in Minneapolis, MN.

The family moved from Minneapolis to Sandstone where they lived for several years before settling in Silver Bay, MN. Ken graduated from Silver Bay in 1963 and attended Vo Tech in Duluth. Upon graduating from Vo-Tech in 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Holden. 

Ken and Linda started their married life in Balsam Lake, WI, but shortly moved to Cloquet where he worked for Bell Telephone Company. In 1966 they moved to Finland, MN, where he joined his father-in-law in business running Ken’s Union 76 service station and restaurant which they ran until 1975. He began working for Hahn Machinery in 1974 and moved his family to Two Harbors in 1975. 

Ken loved his work with Hahn Machinery which allowed travel to logging jobs across the US and Canada and even internationally to New Zealand and Scotland. He especially enjoyed the trips that allowed him to bring his family along traveling in the Hahn’s motorhome.

Ken was an engineer at heart and was known by many as the man to call if something needed to be fixed or tinkered with. He rescued many a broken-down traveler and also never passed on a tool, bungie cord or ratchet strap found along the many roads he traveled.

Ken was a charter member of Palisade Baptist Church. Over the years, he was also a member and elder at First Baptist and Grace Baptist. His faith was very important to him and influenced all parts of his life.

He was the definition of a family man, serving them with his example of love and sacrifice, making time to attend family and kids events and always doing this with a sense of humor and humility.

Ken was preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda, his parents, his foster daughter, Hanh Tran-Do, and his uncle/stepfather, Wayne Gustafson.

Ken is survived by his children, Rob (Sharri) of Ironton, Leann (Mark) Schreyer of Two Harbors, Matt (Sarah) of Becker, grandchildren, Ben (Esther), Paige, Ruby, Anna, AJ; Jessica (Arnel) Lamigo; Breanna (Charlie), Jen (Alex), Shayne (Sonja); Sidney (Max), Kayden (Sawyer), Lindsey, Maren, Brooke, Avery, Owen, Ella. Siblings: Larry (Judy), Arlen (Deanna) and Darrell. 11 great grandchildren plus 2 on the way. Many nieces and nephews; and his in-laws, the Holden family. 

Visitation will be from 3 PM to 5PM on Sunday, January 19, at First Baptist Church and will continue from 12 PM until the 1 PM memorial service on Monday, January 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Two Harbors.