Kenneth L. Vickstrom

Ken was born May 18, 1931, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to Carl and Mabel (Johnson) Vickstrom. At a young age, his family moved to Marquette, where he was raised and graduated from Graveraet High School in 1949. Following graduation, Ken enlisted in the US Navy, serving in the Korean War.

He married Janet Wainio on September 15, 1956, at Sion Lutheran Church in Marquette. He and Jan moved to Jackson, MI, the day after their wedding, where he started his career as a prison guard with the State of Michigan. After one year, he transferred back to Marquette. He retired from the Marquette Branch Prison, having served as a guard and then a supervisor in the garment factory.

After retirement, Ken and Jan wintered for many years in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and developed numerous lifelong friendships. He also worked various side jobs, including at Sundara House, the Village Inn, and as a house painter. He enjoyed volunteering at the Salvation Army.

A man of strong faith, he was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He was a member of the church choir for about 60 years, having recently received an award for his years of dedication. He also enjoyed volunteering his time with the quilting group, helping weekly to cut fabric.

Ken was also a member of the Marquette Elks and the American Legion.

Ken enjoyed staying active by tinkering in his garage and yard. You may recognize his yard on Crescent Street, as he was a prolific flower gardener; he enjoyed spending hours on his perennial flower gardens. After, he enjoyed sitting on the back deck with a good book and a cold drink.

If you visited Ken at his home or at Brookridge Heights, chances are that he’d be watching a sports game on the TV. A diehard Packer Backer, he enjoyed traveling to Lambeau Field with Jan and friends. He was a Detroit sports fan, particularly the Tigers and Red Wings. He also enjoyed NMU hockey, having season tickets for years.

What Ken loved the most was spending time with family and friends. Whether it was gathering for a meal, a family birthday party, a barbecue in the backyard, his grandson’s hockey game, his great-grandson’s soccer game, or simply to help paint a room (of which there were many!), Ken valued being able to spend time with those he loved.

Ken is survived by his wife, Janet Vickstrom of Marquette; daughters, Lynda Vickstrom Trafton of San Antonio, TX and Marquette and Renee (Gerald) Messana of Marquette; grandchildren, Krystina (Brad) Ostermeyer of Marquette, Sean (Meghan) Soucy of Marquette, Morgan (Matthew Lanagan) Messana of Boston, MA, and Erynn (Tyler McDonald) Messana of Marquette; great-grandchildren, Logan and Beau; a sister-in-law, Kathy Wainio, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Violet Vickstrom; a brother, Edward Vickstrom, a sister-in-law, Marie Vickstrom, and a brother-in-law, Paul Wainio.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 12 Noon at Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Molly Hunter officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion and US Navy. A coffee and sweets social will follow the service.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookridge Heights for the compassionate care they provided Ken, especially in his last several days of life.

Memorial contributions can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family, where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com