Kenneth Lee Mills, of Trenary, passed away unexpectedly on April 5, 2024, just a couple days short of his 71st birthday with his wife Bonnie by his side at their home watching one of his favorite fishing shows. Kenneth is survived by his wife Bonnie, son Nathan, daughter Lacy, granddaughters Faith Lee and Emma, grandsons Travis, Sawyer and Trenton, brother Gary (David), many nieces and nephews, and his ex wife Jeannie.
Kenneth lived most of his adult life in Trenary and graduated from the Trenary Schools. He joined the carpenters union, following in his dad Warren’s footsteps. He went on to work at the Tilden Mines for many years. Kenneth also worked at the Trenary Co-op as the hardware guy, helping his neighbors out when he could. He later went to work at the Island Resort and Casino in security where he met his wife Bonnie. He also served as a first responder for the mine and Trenary area. He was very proud of his family history in his hometown, going back to around the civil war time. He also was looking forward to both of his grandsons graduating from high school this year. He was proud of his grandkids and family for overcoming everything life threw at them.
He played basketball and alumni baseball. He also loved being outside with his family and friends camping, canoeing, hunting and fishing every chance he got. Kenny loved his family more than anything in this world, following by living in the UP. He enjoyed talking about and taking people to his favorite spots.
He loved animals and would help them any chance he got, moving at least 100 turtles off UP roads. He was a proud Yooper who could always be found with a bag of nuts in his pocket and a fishing pole in his truck. He loved classic cars and never missed a Kruisin Klassics car show in Escanaba. He also loved just jumping in his truck and taking long rides to enjoy the beauty and maybe find a new fishing hole.
Kenneth will be forever missed by his family and friends and he holds a special place in their hearts.
The family would like to thank everyone for the love, support, and prayers that they have been shown. They ask for no flowers, as anyone who knew Kenny knew he never saw a point in cut flowers.
A memorial service is planned for June 30, 2024 at 2 PM at the Trenary Town Hall for family and friends. There will be a spiritual service and a potluck to follow, please let Bonnie or Lacy know what you would like to bring.
Margaret Beauchaine - Kihei, HI
I rember Kenny from the way backyears- God Peace to all of you
Chriss Wardowski - Eben, Mi
Sorry for your loss
Kim Mills - Garden, MI
I spent a lot of time with him and his first wife at his home along the Whitefish River. He took me fishing many times and made me the BIGGEST HAMBURGER I ever attempted to eat! Lol
When we were in town he always watched over me so I didn’t get myself in trouble. Being his younger (smaller) cousin he was more like a Very Big Brother to me.
I visited him a few times through the years but feel bad I didn’t make more time to hang out with him like in my younger years. He had a very big heart and always a smile when I would see him.
My you’re journey be as Great as you my Gentle Giant Ken…
Kathy Seymour - Marquette , Mi
Sending prayers to the family. I Graduated with Ken. Rest in peace
David Joseph Belongia - Menominee, MI
Ken was always like a brother to me. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Sadly I will not be able to make it to the funeral as I will be out of the country. May you be at peace my friend.
Kevin J McShane - Sun City West, Az
God Bless my cousin Kenny, best fisherman I ever knew !