Kenneth Lee Dickson

Kenneth Lee Dickson

Kenneth Lee Dickson, of Zim, known by many as Ken or Kenny or his self-titled nickname "Dark Cloud" passed away peacefully with his children holding his hands and his family by his side at St. Lukes Aspirus in Duluth, Minn., on Friday January 23, 2026, at the age of 68.

Kenny was born on May 4, 1957, in Virginia, Minn., to Dennis and Rose (Tomljenovich) Dickson

He graduated from Cherry High School in 1975. He was married to Sandy Wedin on August 7, 1976, in Eveleth, Minn.

Ken loved fishing, deer hunting, and planting gardens. He cherished his opening fishing season trips with Rick and Brock and cherished his many years of deer hunting with the family at the hunting shack in Kelsey, Minn. One of his greatest hunting memories though was moose hunting with his father and brother Dale up the north shore. His garden beds in his yard and his two gardens at his father's house were always a chore but something he took great pride in. He loved being able to deliver fresh vegetables to family and friends in the fall.

Ken also enjoyed his Twins baseball and most years he would attend a game with his son or sister Julie. Ken also was a huge NASCAR fan. He and his son Jeremy attended a race in Michigan many years ago and then went every year after that. The second time they went, they convinced his wife Sandy to go along even though she thought she would be bored to tears. After the weekend wrapped, she was hooked and it became an August tradition to camp at Michigan International Speedway and take in the weekend of family fun. Eventually it included grandkids and Serena came once too. After Sandy passed away and they took a few more trips to Michigan, Ken and Jeremy hit two bucket list races instead of going to Michigan. They went to the Bristol night race in TN and last February they attended the Daytona 500. He also loved watching the Superbowl every year with his son at The Thirsty Moose potluck party.

Ken had a gift for gab and could make friends anywhere he went. He could have a 3-hour conversation with a total stranger in a parking lot.

Ken was an amazing cook who could put anything from the kitchen cupboard together and make it taste delicious. He made the best fish and venison on the planet.

Ken loved his family, kids, grandkids and friends and visited them often. He threw a 4th of July party every year at his house, and it was always the highlight of the year for those who attended.

Ken was just an all-around friend to everyone, always willing to help you at the drop of a hat and never asking anything in return. Most times, you wouldn't even need to ask. He just knew and was there.

Christmas was always special to him as it was to his wife Sandy who he missed every day. Christmas always included lot of food, the dice game and lots of laughs and love with his family. He always decorated his yard with lots of lights and usually didn't turn them off until April.

Ken also loved all his pets he had over the years. He had a soft spot for animals. He and Sandy rescued many pets from shelters and even a feral cat from his uncle's farm. He also made sure all the deer, fox, birds, and turkeys in the neighborhood had food in the winter.

He will be missed by so many, and the world will never be the same.

Ken was preceded in death by his Mother Rose, his son Josh, his wife Sandy, and his Brother-in-law Mike Wedin.

He is survived by his Father Dennis (Doris) of Zim, his Brother Dale (Sally) Dickson of Eveleth, Bonnie (Todd) Nelson of Chisholm, sister Julie Dickson of Proctor, Son Jeremy (Holly Hansen) of Hermantown, Daughter Serena (Richard) Helms of Zim, Daughter Megan (Erick) Deslongchamps of Little Swan, Grandchildren Ricky (Mariah) Helms of Hibbing, Weslee (Emma Knaffla) Helms of Zim, Aunika Helms of Zim, and Taylor Wilson of Ramsey and and numerous extended family and friends.

Tentative Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on May 3, 2026, at the McDavitt Town Hall in Zim at a time to be determined.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.