Kenneth R. Sjolin

The world became less bright when Kenneth R. Sjolin, 69, passed away unexpectedly on July 10th, 2025, sooner than our hearts were ready, at their retirement home built at the base of the Rawlins Uplift. He left behind a lifetime of memories filled with adventure, love and laughter. Born on May 25, 1956, the son of Otto I. Sjolin, Jr., and Beverly Anne (Rozell) Sjolin in Rawlins, Ken was the epitome of hard work, dedication, love and loyalty.

He began his education in Rawlins, however, before his junior year in high school he moved to Anchorage, Alaska where he attended and graduated from Anchorage East High School. His father owned a gas station where at a very young age he was exposed to vehicles of every kind, but it wasn’t until he moved to Alaska and with the inspiration and guidance of his Uncle Don Rozell, he set his sights on becoming a mechanic. He proudly worked as a diesel and heavy equipment mechanic throughout his life until his most recent retirement when he hung up his work tools and enjoyed assisting his wife, Marie at Markey Real Estate.

It was during his employment at Rawlins Diesel Service that he met the love of his life, a young bookkeeper’s assistant named Marie Hughes. They were married on June 23, 1978, and for the next 47 years Ken and Marie were inseparable. Ken will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor, quick wit, and his unmistakable chuckle. When he wasn’t working you could find him in the great outdoors, fishing, hiking, taking up kayaking, running dogs at Grandpa Nate’s place by the river, cooking on the grill, cooking with his cast iron skillets and of course being the life of the party wherever he was present. Ken can best be described as authentic, he didn’t waste any time or energy on being something he wasn’t. He was honest, ethical, kind, loving and loyal to his core. Beyond being a loving, attentive and adoring husband to Marie, he was a loving and proud father, and he took great joy in spoiling his beloved grandchildren.

Ken is survived by his loving and broken-hearted wife Marie Levon, their daughters Natalie Ann (Dave) Lucero, and Jennifer Lynn (Steve) Leyba, their grandchildren Ashton Eric Garwood, Jenna Marie (Justin) Dixon, Ryder Douglas Lucero, Willow Mia Lucero, and Oakley Dean Leyba. His nephew Charles (Dri) Moore, his great-niece Sofia Moore, his loving extended family members and an abundance of special friends that he called family. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Kevin Charles Sjolin.

Instead of flowers, Marie would like to plant a pine tree in her backyard as a memorial to Kenny.