Kenneth Backstrom

Kenneth William Backstrom, 100, of Duluth, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Keystone Bluffs.

Kenneth was born June 4, 1920 to Hannah (Soderlund) and Conrad Backstrom in Duluth, MN.  Kenneth’s parents’ emigrated from Sweden and settled in Duluth.

He married the love of his life, Georgiana Katherine Berg, in May of 1943.  They were married for 55 years before her death in 1998.

He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1938.

In 1942 he joined the Army Air Corps, 8th Air Force. From 1943-1946 he was in supply-ordinance at an RAF Base in Warrington, England.  After discharge from the military he attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth and graduated in 1953 with a degree in Business Administration/Accounting.

He worked for Certified Public Accountants, Graving and Honigman from 1953-1960. In 1960 he became the Corporate Secretary and Office Manager for Duluth Plumbing Supplies until he retired in 1984.

Dad was a 50 year Mason.  He was a member of the Euclid Blue Lodge No. 198, Scottish Rite & the AAD Temple and its Drum & Bugle Corp. He marched in many parades!

A life-long Lutheran, Dad had been a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd since 1963.  He was also a member of the Swedish Cultural Society where he made many friends, especially Arne Swanson.

In 2006 he traveled to Sweden and Norway and met his cousins for the first time.  The children of those cousins have kept in touch with him and brought him great joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Georgiana, an infant son, brother, Clifford, and sister, Virginia Wilson.

He is survived by daughters, Patricia (William) Altonen, Peggy (Cameron) Edwards, son, William (Kristin) Backstrom and brother-in-law, David Wilson.

6 Grandchildren: Peter (Jodi) Altonen, Erik, (Christy) Altonen, Alicia (Andrew) Rand, Matthew (Sarah) Edwards, Kimberly Edwards, Grace Backstrom

9 Great-grandchildren

Several nieces and nephews.

Ken had a wonderful life and we were blessed to be part of it.

Due to Covid19 restrictions, a private service is being held.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East 2nd St., Duluth MN 55805