Ken Mlodzinski

Unexpectedly, but peacefully, with his family at his side, Ken Mlodzinski was received into the loving arms of our Lord on February 22, 2018. Left to mourn and cherish his memory are his faithful wife of 45 years Denise, son Adam and wife Jacquie, daughter Renise, and his precious grandsons Timothy and James. He is also lovingly remembered by his mother Sophie, brother Greg (Colleen) and family, sister Marilyn Scheirich (Darrell) and family, sister-in-law Sandi and family, sister-in-law Geri (Ellis) and family, and sister-in-law Esther Ann and family, along with numerous other relatives and life-long friends. Ken was predeceased by his brother Conrad, father John, nephew Marc Boutin, as well as father and mother-in-law Victor and Helga McDonald. Also left to grieve is Annie, his tiny tea cup poodle who was joined to his hip through thick and thin.

Ken was the second child born into the family on October 3, 1950 to John and Sophie Mlodzinski. He grew up with his three other siblings on the family farm, the original homestead, and attended Highland Glen School. From there he attended Selkirk Collegiate where he met his high school sweetheart and life-long love, Denise. They had Adam and Renise and lived much of their married life in the house they built together on Highway 44, near Cooks Creek.

Despite being born with a congenital heart condition, Ken lived his life to the fullest while facing numerous challenges. His strength and work ethic were second to none and he took incredible pride in everything he worked so hard to achieve.  He fought like a warrior against every odd and always won, which is what makes reality of life without him for a time surreal and difficult to grasp.  His loyalty to family and friends, sense of humour, and mischievous nature will leave an immense void in everyone’s heart.

Throughout his years, Ken enjoyed an active and rich social life.  He was a gracious and generous host to everyone.  His love of adventure made him fearless to try anything.  He was happiest when outdoors camping with his family or on hunting and fishing trips with his buddies.  For a number of years, Ken was a defenseman with the local hockey team, the Highland Huskies.  He passed his love for the game on to his son and grandchildren, as well as the obvious musical ability he possessed from years of, what he would humorously recall as, mandatory accordion lessons.  He showed his devotion to his children and grandchildren by attending hockey games and recitals, as well as being there to provide whatever they needed.  

Ken’s capacity to deal with the challenges and hardships of life touched us all. He had the skin of a rhinoceros, but the soul of a butterfly. Though he was an enigma, both physically and emotionally, he loved the simple things in life and relished in the joy they brought.

We welcome you to join us for the celebration of Ken’s life at Good Shepherd Church, Selkirk, MB (just south of the Rolling Mills) on Saturday March 10 at 1pm. Thank you to Gilbart Funeral Home for their continued personal service. Private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the building fund of Selkirk Community Church (6569 Highway #9 St. Andrews, MB R1A 4E6), in honour of the many years his church family prayed to our Lord to sustain his health and well-being.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ken Mlodzinski, please visit our floral store.