Kenneth John Rian

Kenneth "Ken" John Rian, 94, of Escanaba, passed away Saturday evening, June 17, 2023 at North Woods Place.
He was born on October 22, 1928 in Escanaba, son to Arnie and Jenny (Jacobson) Rian. Ken was a lifelong resident of Wells and graduated from Escanaba High School, class of 1946.
Ken proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from December 8, 1950 until November 23, 1954. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
On April 16, 1955, Ken married Lucille "Lou" H. Wright at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba.
Ken was employed with Mead Paper where he was the electrical superintendent, retiring in 1990.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Ken could always be found tinkering with things, there was truly nothing he couldn't fix.
Among survivors include his wife of 68 years, Lucille of Escanaba; four sons, Michael (Connie) Rian of Rapid River, John (Jodi) Rian of Wells, Jim (Lori) Rian of Escanaba, and Tom (Lisa) Rian of Pine Ridge; seven grandchildren, Matt (Britini) Rian, Becky Rian, Brian (Kelli) Helgemo, Lisa (Andy) Kirt, Steven Olsen, Kimberly (Josh) LaBonte, and Sami Jo (Kris) Nelson; 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Shirley Rian; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim and Arnie; and sister, Mary (Lawrence) Kidd.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29th from 1-4 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. Military honors will take place at 3:45 p.m. and the funeral service will immediately follow with Pastor Lewis Hague officiating.
A message of condolence can be shared by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Rian family.