Kenneth Otis Atkins was born in Washington, Missouri to Charles Owen and Delilah Ruth (Williams) Atkins. He grew up in Minnesota and attended the Garden City High School graduating in 1937. His parents and brother, Charles Kennel, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Helen (Atkins) Rebstock who lives in Austin, Texas.

Ken was married in 1940 at Sacred Heart Church in St. Paul to Ramona Farris and was her devoted husband for over 69 years until she passed in 2009. They had four children, Gary (Marcene), Mary Ruth Lee (Rodger), Barbara Jean Serritella (Matthew) and James (Cathy); his grandchildren, Robyn, Ryan, Kenny, Tim, Allen, Liz, Christy, Danny, Dawne and Wendi; his great grandchildren; Gayle, Brian, Anne, Charlie, Andrew, Jessica, Rachel, T.J., Sabrina, Lilia and Dylan.

Dad became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1957. He obtained 4th Degree status in 1958. He served as Grand Knight for the Father Finley Council #4374 in St. Paul during 1960-1961.

He worked as an electrical welder at American Hoist & Derrick in St. Paul; he owned and operated a fishing resort on Lake Superior in Bayfield, Wisconsin; he sold insurance for Mutual Service and, ultimately, started his own successful business, Atkins Insurance & Realty Agency in St. Paul. He was a member of Traveler’s Protective Association for over 50 years. He held many state and board postions and was their national president in 1964. He was also a life member of the Kaiser/ Frazier car club.

Ken and Ramona spent most of their lives in St. Paul, Onamia and Isle, Minnesota.

Eventually they retired to the Rio Grande Valley in Southern Texas. During those years, he served in many capacities at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Raymondville, Texas. He was the chairman of the Raymondville Tourist Association, the “Winter Texans” and helped maintain the town’s municipal golf course.

He was a handyman, a consultant, a friend and a colleague to everyone who touched his life. He was a father deeply loved and respected by his family and will be truly missed by us all.

Funeral mass will be held August 13 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lake Crystal, Minnesota at 10:00. Grave site service will follow immediately at Garden City Cemetery.

† † †