With deepest sorrow, we announce that Ken McGuire, age 62, son, brother, uncle, family member and friend, died on Monday, July 19, 2021, 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, Minn. 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 who passed before him. Brenda and Ken’s favorite pets were their dog Riley and cat Missy.
Ken especially adored his 12 nieces and nephews and seven (about to be eight) 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 nine 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 of 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, Sunday, July 25, at 3 p.m. Rosary followed a prayer service and sharing memories of Ken.
- Thursday, July 29, at 11 a.m., St. Charles Boromeo Church, St. Charles, Minn. Funeral Mass followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to AA or St. Mary’s Church in Newton.
