Kenneth L. Lauridsen

Kenneth L. Lauridsen, a Paso Robles native farmer, rancher and devoted family man , passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, in his home surrounded by loving family. Ken was born in 1934 in Paso Robles to his parents Ingward and Anna Lauridsen. Coming from a deep pioneer family, he began dry land farming with his father in the Geneseo area at an early age, and spent his life loving and nurturing the land. He attended grammar school at the old Geneseo Schoolhouse on Union Road . In high school, Ken participated in FFA and proudly wore a Bearcat football jersey for four years. Three of these years he played on the varsity team that brought home many CIF championships . After high school, he served four years in the U.S. Navy stationed in Hawaii and Kwajalein. Ken married his high school sweetheart Carroll Ann Rude in March of 1960 and they raised their own little football team of five girls. In addition to farming, loving and providing for his family was Ken's greatest joy in life. As his family grew , he became a grandfather fifteen times and spent his spare time traveling to football games and activities to watch and support his grandchildren. Ken will be remembered for many things but most importantly for being a simple man who worked hard, lived humbly and loved deeply. Ken is survived by his wife, Carroll Lauridsen; five daughters , Debbie Lauridsen, Laurie Cummings, Jenny Lindsey, Julie Smith and Patty Mongolo; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Stroud and her husband Bill; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at Kuehl-Nicolay Chapel. A Service for Ken will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Paso Robles , with a graveside service following at Paso Robles Cemetary. The family extends an open invitation to all who knew and loved Ken to attend. In lieu of flowers , the family asks that donations be made in Ken's name to either Central Coast Hospice, 253 Granada Dr., Suite D, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, El Paso de Robles Historical Society or the Trinity Lutheran Church.