Kenneth Franklin Holmes, age 82, of Brooklyn Park, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 7, 2021. He was born to Gerald and Nellie (Heveron) Holmes on October 23, 1938 in Manannah, MN, and grew up in Litchfield, MN.
Ken proudly served Sergeant of the 82nd Airborne Unit in the United States Army. On October 24, 1956, Kenneth Holmes married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Westerlund, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA.
Growing up, Ken played guitar in the Rainbow Band with is father, who played the fiddle, and guitar with his brothers and sisters. Even later in life, Ken continued his love of music by playing at family gatherings and with his friends from Honeywell. He was a successful Tool and Gauge Grinder, at Honeywell for 40 years until his retirement in 1999.
Ken was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many! He was a dedicated caretaker to his wife until her passing on August 14, 2010. He enjoyed many things in life, but he especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He had a special bond with his “little sidekick”, great-grandson, Noah. He was Noah’s number 1 fan! Ken enjoyed videotaping all of the sports Noah was in. He even shared the videos and pictures he made with all of Noah’s teammates.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Holmes; great-grandson, Noah Waldoch; parents, Gerald and Nellie Holmes; brothers, Alger, Donald “Donny”, John “Johnny”, Robert “Bob”, Harold “Bud”; and sisters, Lucille “Lucy”, Lorraine, Vera.
Ken is survived by his sons, Brent Holmes, David Holmes, Todd (Tami) Holmes; grandchildren, Nicole (Shane), Todd Jr., Kenny, Zachary, Kelsey; great-grandchildren, Mia, Jeremiah, Raelynn, Savannah, Theodore, Grayson, Asher; sister, Jody “Viv” Johnson; and many other family and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 20, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at The Peterson Chapel, 300 Main St N, St. Michael. Funeral service will be held Saturday August 21, 2021 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at Revive Church, 7849 W Broadway, Brooklyn Park. Interment with Military Rites at Mound Cemetery, Brooklyn Center.
Food following at Holmes home: 9324 Washburn Avenue N, Brooklyn Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial tributes be directed to Kenneth Holmes funeral fund to assist with expenses.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. 763-497-5362. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
I will always remember Uncle Kenny’s kindness and attentiveness from my youth. Eventhough seperated by miles, time and circumstances through the intervening years, his thoughtfulness and consideration will always keep his memory close to my heart.