Kenneth “Ken” Charles Almquist, of Williamsburg, died Oct. 17, 2015, after a courageous battle against cancer. He was 69.
Born April 20, 1946, Ken, or “Pop-Pop” as his beloved grandchildren knew him, grew up in Patterson, California and graduated from Patterson High School.
He completed his bachelor’s in mathematics Magna Cum Laude from North Park University in Chicago and his master’s in operations research from the Air Force Institute of Technology, Air University.
He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, including as a missile minuteman and many other assignments that took him and his family around the country. After retiring from the Air Force, Ken worked in the private sector designing computer-based training curriculum for the military.
Ken was a gentle man with a huge heart and warm smile who will be long remembered by those who knew him. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was an avid reader who also enjoyed woodworking, researching genealogy and traveling with his wife, Janell. Together they traveled the country and traced their roots in Sweden. Ken was a member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Cecile Almquist and his mother- and father-in-law, Melvin and Gail Lindman.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Janell; children, Chuck (Elaine), Katy (Payton), Chris (Beth) and Joel (Susie); grandchildren, Austin, Kyle, Madison, Jason, Jonathan, Scotty and Erika; brother, Terry (Lois); sisters-in-law, Janet (Lloyd) and Jean (Jim); brothers-in-law, Ross (Lisa), Brian (Cathie) and Glenn (Jennie); and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. John Miller, nurse Tamara, Bill (who always made Ken smile) and the staff of Riverside Peninsula Cancer Institute as well as Riverside Hospice, in particular his nurses Laura and Megan. The family is deeply appreciative of their knowledge, compassion and outstanding care for Ken during the last 13 months.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, at the church. Burial will follow at a later date in Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Free Grace Presbyterian Church, 160 Canal St., Lewiston, ME 04240.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
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