Kenneth J. Baerwaldt, 90, of Findlay, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Ken was born on the family farm in Beardsley, Minnesota on September 30, 1932, the fourth of five children to Herman and Lizzie (Adams) Baerwaldt and was the last living child. Growing up, he was affectionately known as “Kink.” He graduated from Beardsley High School. After high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He completed heavy equipment operator school in Japan before serving in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953.
Ken moved to Findlay in 1960 when he married Nancy Lee Lucas, and she survives. They celebrated 63 years of marriage on May 7, 2023. He drove 18-wheel trucks for 22 years before he ventured into the business world. He drove for Bill O’Brien Concrete, Borden’s and United Trucking, all in Findlay. He was a Shaklee Independent Distributor for decades. He had a passion for the benefits of food supplements and truly believed they helped him live such a long and healthy life. He was a Franchisee of Taco Bell, Comfort Inn and Buffalo Wild Wings. He was Franchisee of the year in 1997 for Buffalo Wild Wings. He was part of the ownership group of TV47 in Findlay Ohio in the 1990s.
Ken and Nancy spent the winters in Florida for over 30 years. He loved the warm weather and spending time with his friends there. He developed his love for Blue Bell ice cream in Florida. He was proud that he visited all 50 states.
Ken was a member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. He was a past member of the Moose Lodge and the Lions Club. He was past president of the Findlay High School Band Boosters. He coached his daughters in junior and senior league Young Miss Softball. He also coached Findlay Recreation Department women’s slow pitch softball league. He played church league softball well into his 60s and played golf into his 70s. He had a lifelong interest in nice cars.
Left to cherish Ken’s memory are his wife, Nancy; daughter, Lynn (Tom) Fees, Findlay; son, Richard (Jennifer) Baerwaldt, Lewis Center; son-in-law, Scott Silvers, Findlay; grandchildren, Zachary Silvers, Kyle Silvers, Lindsay Fees, all of Findlay, Kevin Fees, Plymouth, Michigan, Ashley Toothman and Joshua Toothman, Columbus, Jack Baerwaldt and Luke Baerwaldt of Lewis Center; great grandson, Liam Silvers, Findlay, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Ken in death are his daughter, Leanne Silvers; his brothers, Morris (Bud) Baerwaldt, and Everett (Bubs) Baerwaldt; sisters, Margorie Parker and Shirley Joyce, as well as his parents.
Friends and family may visit from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 and 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 at Hufford Family Funeral Home, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay (419-422-1500). A Celebration of Life will continue after visitation on Friday, with Pastor Amy Joy Miller officiating and the Hancock County Veterans’ Memorial Squad performing military rites. Memorials in Ken’s name may be made to St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 120 W. Sandusky St., Findlay, OH 45840. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.
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