Kenneth J. Huybrecht

MERCER, Wis. – Kenneth J. Huybrecht, 83, of Mercer, died peacefully Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at his home.

Ken was born on Sept. 24, 1932, in Ashland, a son of Frederick and Inez (Hruska) Huybrecht. He attended Ashland High School and graduated in 1950.

Ken proudly served his country at the beginning of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the National Guard of Wisconsin on July 7, 1950.

On Aug. 23, 1952, Ken was united in marriage to Naida W. Eschenbauch in Hurley. They made their home in Mercer and were blessed with four children. 

Ken bought the Mercer Laundry, and built the Mercer Laundromat and Northwoods Liquor Store. He was co-owner of the Mercer Marine, Mercer Craft Boats Company and Jigger Sales. Ken worked at the White Pine Copper Company for nine years and the Superior Gas Company for 10 years.

He was a member of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Mercer. Ken was a former member of the Wetlands Club, Sno-A-Goers Snowmobile Club, Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club. He was formerly an emergency medical technician with the Mercer Ambulance.

After retiring, Ken and Naida spent their winters in Orange Beach, Ala., and summers at Saxon Harbor, where they enjoyed camping and countless hours fishing on their boat, Misty.

Ken's dad taught him to be an avid duck hunter and fisherman. These were very special times for him. In turn, he taught his sons these hobbies.

Ken's wife, children and grandchildren were the center of his life, and he loved them all dearly.

Ken is survived by his wife, Naida; a daughter, Linda Holyak, San Diego; two sons, Kim (Edith), Mercer, and Randy (Deanna), Winchester; six grandchildren, Michael Huybrecht, Amy (Adam) Lee, Melissa (Tom) Lopez, Erika (Brandon) Greaney and Lucas and Adeline Huybrecht; nine great-grandchildren, Baylie and Zach Huybrecht, Isabel Lopez, Tylor, Hailey and Cameron Greaney and Alex, Austin and Anderson Lee; a brother, Fred; a sister, Dorothy Carter; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jon Frederick; his son-in-law, John Holyak; two sisters, June Grosjean and Jeanne Ivy; his three brothers-in-law, George Grosjean, Perry Carter and Chester Dupuy; and his two sisters-in-law, Shirley Huybrecht and Barbara Dupuy.

The funeral liturgy will take place Saturday, April 23, at 11:30 a.m., preceded by memorial visitation at 11 a.m., at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, with Deacon Norbert Brossmer officiating.

Lunch will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Ken's memory to Regional Hospice Services, Power House Mall, 216 E. Aurora St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Mich. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.