Kenneth H. Coombe

Ken was born March 3, 1928, in Vulcan, son of the late Floyd and Anna (Magnuson) Coombe. He was a lifelong resident of the area and attended school in Vulcan.

Ken was a U.S. Navy veteran. He served in World War II and received the WWII Victory Medal. Ken was honorably discharged in 1947.

On Sept. 4, 1948, Ken was united in marriage with Marilyn Pavlat. The two enjoyed 60 years together and raised seven children. Ken and Marilyn loved getting together with family for the holidays and birthday parties. Christmas was always celebrated at their house and on Christmas Day 2007, they had 65 family members in the house at one time. Marilyn preceded Ken in death on Dec. 5, 2008. Ken was employed at G.A.F. in Pembine, Wis., for 40 years, retiring in 1986.

He was an excellent cook and owned a restaurant in San Francisco when he first got out of the Navy. Ken was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved taking daily trips to “Camp Six Pack” near Cunard, where many get-togethers were held with plenty of great family-style meals shared, including the leftovers. Ken also enjoyed his vegetable garden; harvesting, canning, growing and selling tomato plants were some of his favorite pastimes.

Ken is survived by seven children, Marilee “Janie” (Mark) Kocha of Green Bay, Wis., Christine (David) Schmutzler of Iron Mountain, Lauri (Mike) Kopp of Kingsford, Kay (the late Wardie) Lindstrom of Green Bay, Mary Beth (Forrest) Erkkila of Kingsford, Patti (John) Hinds of Norway, and Kenneth (Sue) Coombe Jr. of Kingsford; a sister-in-law, Beverly Lundell; 18 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ken was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Coombe; and a son-in-law, Warden Lindstrom.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military honors at 3 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a brief memorial service.

Burial will be in the Norway Township Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ken Coombe online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.