Kenneth M. Baklund

Kenneth M. Baklund, age 89, of Albion, passed away surrounded by his family at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. He was born on January 12, 1933 in La Salle, Illinois, the son of the late John Baklund and Rena (Page) Baklund. Ken graduated from Marshall High School, class of 1952 and served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. Ken was involved in the Korean war and after completing his service with the Army, he started building his legacy by jumping into business after a short time at Eaton Corporation. Ken owned North Eaton Gulf Gas Repair Shop which over the years ended up becoming Shell petroleum. For approximately 50 years, Ken built his legacy and had multiple Shell Locations throughout the local area. Ken traveled the United States with petroleum companies for shows and conventions. He gained good friendships from his small beginning.

Ken was an avid golfer and was a member at the Duck Lake Country Club and he would often be there daily hanging out with friends and playing his sport. Ken appreciated golf so much, he built his own driving range in his back yard. Over the years, you would also see him playing golf for fun traveling the states with friends. Ken enjoyed softball and participated in a league at Rice Creek Ball Diamond annually in the summer in his early days. Ken and Vanessa bought a cabin in Cadillac, MI on the lake that started a family tradition for the last 45 plus years. Ken was always finding ways to bring people together. He promoted outdoor activities, including boating and snowmobiling, even the animals loved it. Ken adored animals, specifically Labrador dogs and he had a good tradition of naming every animal he owned, Cubby.

Ken was a handyman and enjoyed woodworking. He set his barn up with every tool you could possibly think of and could make anything you requested. Over the years, he made bird houses, windmills, toy boxes, shelves, furniture and much more which became a passion for him to give to others. Ken was a busy man and would always be working. If he wasn’t building something, he was mowing the lawn and driving his gator around his property. In the latter years, he would sit on his back porch, looking out towards his driving range watching deer and other wild animals.

Ken is survived by his son, Gary M. (Becky) Baklund; three grandchildren, Nicole (Ben) Crippen, Brad (Kate) Baklund, and Lesli (Chris) Dingee; seven great grandchildren, McKenzie Crippen, Maison Crippen, McLane Baklund, Cohen Baklund, Emily Dingee, Natalie Dingee, and Alex Dingee. He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Baklund; his wife, Vanessa Baklund, and three brothers, John, Donald, and Carroll Baklund.

A funeral service was previously held at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services in Marshall. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Rice Creek cemetery, with military honors conducted by the United States Army. Memorial contributions may be given to Humane Society of South-Central Michigan or Rice Creek Church. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family.