Kenneth Lee “Bergy” Liimatta, 53, of Cedar Bay, passed away due to complications from recent heart surgery on Friday, June 4, 2021 at U.P. Health Systems in Marquette. “Kenny” was born in Garden City, Michigan on May 18, 1968 to Carolyn “Buxy” nee Rowe, Barry and Kenneth E. Liimatta.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth E. Liimatta. His brother Kerry Paul Liimatta. His maternal grandparents Gertrude and Oakley Rowe. His paternal grandparents Bertha “Leinonen” and Edwin Liimatta.
He is survived by his mother, Carolyn “Buxy” (Jack) Barry of 5 Mile Point Road and three brothers, Michael (Tammy) Harri of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, David Harri of Calumet and Jason Liimatta of Calumet. A niece, Amanda (Philip) Shedd of Vicksburg, Michigan. A nephew, Tyler Harri of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Step brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins and friends.
Ken was a 1986 graduate of Calumet High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University in 1992.
He was employed for 27 years by Schneder National Trucking in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was a Board Member for Junior Achievement in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He coached youth hockey for a year in Marquette. He briefly taught a business class at Silver Lake College.
His family and friends were the most important to him. As he put it, “I’m living my dream” when he bought his home in Cedar Bay, where he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and his beloved dog Moskey.
Among his interests were hunting, fishing, hiking and spending time out on Isle Royale. His philosophy in life was to leave things in better shape than you found it and to treat people the way that you would want to be treated.
He was formerly a member of National Lutheran Church in Calumet. In his younger years, he played Calumet youth hockey.
A memorial service will be held at the Calumet Colosseum Ballroom on June 19th. Visitation will be from 1pm-2pm with the memorial service to follow with pastor jay Weidner to officiate.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.
Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home of Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.