Kenneth M Dumdie

Dad fought bravely, but his heart was simply too damaged to sustain his life, and he passed away on December 10th. Our daddy was an exceptional human who loved life and his family fiercely and advocated deeply for his principles and values. Born in 1948 in LeCenter Minnesota, dad was the ultimate first-born. Academically exceptional, athletically gifted and incredibly charming, dad was a beloved son and brother who exuded warmth and verve. He was drafted into the Marines and served our country bravely in the Vietnam war, returning safely but with a wounded soul. He married his first wife, Barb, and had two wonderful children, his daughter Corie and son Lucas. He attended St. Cloud State University and could often be found in the glass blowing studio, daughter in tow, leaving his indelible mark on the world through art, mainly his passion for sculpting leather. It was through that same love of art that he met his second wife, sweet Marilyn, and together they traveled the US, sharing their talent with the world and building deep connections with the remarkable community that is the art world. Marilyn and Ken saw the world through a special and joyful lens and were thrilled to welcome their greatest gift, their daughter Rochelle, who they loved with all their hearts. Dad loved family, the Vikings, quiet time on his boat, his dear friends, and the art of creation. It broke his heart to lose our mom almost 20 years ago, but he proceeded bravely and deeply appreciated his independence. He joyfully participated in many graduations and filled the dance floor at his daughter's weddings, the most recent in October where he radiated the kind of happy that is contagious. His gifts were immense and those he touched felt loved deeply and individually. Ken is survived by his three children and their spouses (who were certainly children to him), his three grandchildren, his remarkable sister, brother and their spouses, and his beautiful niece. A gathering of remembrance will be held on Sunday, January 12 at noon at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ken's honor to a veterans group of your choice.
We love you, dad, and miss you more than you will ever know.