William Lawson

Kenny was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on March 29, 1937, to the late George and Alice (Quayle) Lawson. He attended Ishpeming Schools and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. Kenny served his country from June 1954 until his honorable discharge in January 1958.

Following his military service, Kenny went on to work for RCA in California, then Western Pacific in California, then he returned to Ishpeming to work for Lake Shore Corp who then transfered him to work in Arizona. He then came home in 1974 to work at Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, retiring from the Tilden Mine after many dedicated years of service he retired in1996.

A man of strong faith and community, Kenny was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge, and the Riverside Club. He enjoyed archery and had a passion for bow and arrow, a pastime that brought him much joy over the years. He loved to be at camp, hunting and fishing. He loved to travel. Ken was an avid golfer and loved the game.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife, Marcia Fay (Penberthy) Lawson, whom he married on February 13, 2019; stepdaughters, Julie Anna of Colorado and Michelle (Jim) Wagner of Wisconsin; grandsons, Davin and Quinn Anna, Mike (Nichole) Wagner, and Matt Wagner; great-grandson, Milo; brother-in-law, Gary Penberthy; sister-in-law, Violet (Larry) Joseph; brother-in-law, John Lusardi; nieces and nephews, Susan (Guy) Smith, Judy (Terry) Cattron, Bruce (Connie) Lawson, and Brian (Toni) Lawson; aunt, Doreen Lawson; and his beloved dog, Missy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Alice Lawson; his first wife, Jean; son, Rick; son-in-law, Dan Anna; brother, Robert Lawson; and sister, Alice Nelson.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Kenny’s funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Jason M. Mills officiating.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery with military honors accorded by the U.S. Navy. A luncheon will be held following the services in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) at upaws.org in memory of Kenny Lawson.

‘The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at The Jacobetti Home for the help and wonderful care they provided to Kenny we are truly thankful to them all’

Ken’s obituary may be viewed online, and condolences shared at bjorkandzhulkie.com.