Kenneth Townsend Sanders, 80, passed away Monday, September 23, 2019 at the Boundary Waters Care Center.
Ken is survived by his three sons, Michael (and Becky) Sanders, Mark Sanders, and Matt (and Beth) Sanders; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and dear friends of his later years in the Ely area. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Born in Greer, South Carolina and raised in Livonia, Michigan, the son of Hubert and Irene Sanders, Ken was a long-time resident of the states of Michigan and Minnesota.
Ken served in the U.S. Air Force for five years and later worked as a millwright at Ford Motor Company until his retirement. He relocated to Ely, MN in 1989.
Ken enjoyed interaction with family, friends and nature. Ken loved to learn and never hesitated to give a try at something new, whether it was chess, guitar and banjo playing, or his lifelong passion – fishing. His positive outlook on life shone through many life challenges. He treasured his friends in Ely. Ken was attended the Ledgerock Community Church.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at 1:00 P.M. at Ledgerock Community Church of Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely