George Kenneth Garrett

Loved and loving father, grandfather and uncle, George Ken Garrett died peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at the age of 86 following a long battle with Parkinsons disease. Ken was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, and went on to study mathematics and electrical engineering at Midwestern State University and the University of Texas at Austin. An exceptionally strong swimmer and oilfield roughneck, he joined the Navy and served proudly during the Korean Conflict. Through mutual friends he met the love of his life, Norma Louise Johnson, and they married shortly thereafter. After many different jobs and moves around the country, he made a career with IBM and settled in Pine Island, Minn. Ken was deeply committed to his family and friends and never tired of being known as Mrs. Garretts husband. He was blessed with a keen sense of humor and intense curiosity. A tireless student of the game of golf, he was a self-proclaimed member of Arnies Army. He enjoyed a long association with the Walleye Investment Club and counted its members as dear friends. He and Norma retired to Red Wing where she pursued numerous artistic projects and he pursued errant golf balls. His greatest joy was cradling his new grandchildren and seeing them grow to young adulthood. He was a strong and compassionate caregiver, and nursed his wife and comforted his family through her long illness and passing. When health declines forced a move to assisted living, he truly missed the camaraderie of Alvina Street. He is survived by his children, Jim and Ellie, and Jims wife, Jane; his grandchildren, Conner and Allison; his loving companion, Dolores; and his nieces and nephews, Glen, Laurie, Genevieve, Ben, Connie and Ginger. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo FoundationMovement Disorders Research or Homes for Our Troops. Visitation will be Thursday, August 27 from 4:30 to 7:30 followed by a memorial service from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, Minn. 55901.