Ken McGuire

Kenneth Alva McGuire, age 87 of Dover, formerly of Wahkon, Minnesota, departed this life June 9, 2017 at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Duane McGuire.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years Darlene McGuire of Dover; three children, Deborah (Wayne) Derosier of Zimmerman, MN, Craig McGuire (Mary) of Dover, and Pamela McGuire of Wahkon, MN; and grandchildren Meghan Matteson, Matthew (Jenessa) Derosier, and Phillip Gill.

Kenneth was born May 29, 1930 in Ogilvie, Minnesota to the late Sam and Marion Shaver McGuire.

He graduated from Onamia High School in 1947. After graduation, he worked for the Rock Island railroad for three years as a locomotive diesel mechanic. He joined the U.S. Navy and was a Seabee for 4 years.

He married Darlene Purdes in November, 1957 and they made their home at Wahkon, Minnesota where he was a rural letter carrier for Wahkon and Onamia mail routes for 23 years. After retirement, he and his family owned and operated the Dari-Vi in Isle for 5 years, which led to the building and operation of one of the state's first mobile food trucks, KayDee's Lunch Wagon.

Kenneth had many interests. In his spare time, he worked as a heavy diesel mechanic; as a pilot, he was active in the Civil Air Patrol; and he also ran a small launch on Mille Lacs for a time. He enjoyed travelling, camping, ice fishing and hobby woodcraft. He also took pride in restoration, working on everything from old cars to steam engines to a pump organ. His real interest was always grease and gears.

He and his wife lived in Dover, Arkansas the last 20 years.

At his request, no services will be held at this time. A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremations in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com