Ken McDonnell

Ken McDonnell, 78, Sturgeon Lake, formerly of St. Paul, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 31, 2015 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. He was born on January 26, 1937 in St. Paul to John and Clara McDonnell. Ken grew up in St. Paul and attended St. Adelbert's Catholic School and Washington High School. He worked as a river pilot throughout the years and operated cranes and tug boats. He married Diane Whaley and to this union three children were born: Barb, Ken Jr., and Bob. On November 16, 1974, Ken married Vera Hetchler in St. Paul. Vera brought seven children to the marriage: Terry, Ron, Steve, Dan, Judy, Brenda, and Lori which led to a very large and happy family. Ken and Vera lived in the St. Paul area and often spent weekends at their Sturgeon Lake property which they moved to in 2001. He was a member of the IUOE Local 49. Ken enjoyed fishing, grilling outside, building things, and fixing things.

He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Clara McDonnell; two brothers: John McDonnell and Tom McDonnell; and a son-in-law: Greg Ramsdell.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Vera: 10 children: Barb Ramsdell (Don Johnson) of Roseville; Ken, Jr. (Shelley) McDonnell of North Branch; Bob McDonnell of North Branch; Terry (Jan) Jiskra of St. Paul; Ron (Lisa) Jiskra of St. Paul; Steve Jiskra of St. Paul; Dan (Rose) Jiskra of Pine City; Judy Jiskra of Cloquet; Brenda (Bill) Heiple of Wyoming; and Lori (Brian) Nickolauson of Wyoming; 25 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and a sister: Joanne (Tom) Gerlach of Ramsey.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 1 PM until the 2 PM Memorial Service on Friday, January 8, 2016 in Family Worship Church, 4580 South Arrowhead Lane, Moose Lake, MN, 55767.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.