Ken Tomlinson

August 26, 1942 - March 17, 2013

Kenneth E. Tomlinson, age 70, of Spirit Lake, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2013, at his home in Spirit Lake. He was born on August 26, 1942, in Stuart, Iowa, to Chester and Maudie (Baker) Tomlinson. Ken graduated from East High School in Des Moines in 1960, where he excelled in school and wrestling. He married his life-long friend and sweat-heart, Nancy Warren on October 20, 1960, in Lakewood, California. They have four children, Ken, Rebecca, Rodney and Kyle. Ken worked for North American Autonetics and as a fireman, before enrolling and graduating from the Police Academy in 1971. He worked for the Santa Anta Police Department in Santa Anta, California, for 27 years, before retiring in 1998. Ken and Nancy moved to Spirit Lake to enjoy their retirement. Ken was a member of the Santa Anta Police Department VA and Kiwanis, in Santa Anta and Spirit Lake. He enjoyed spending his spare time ocean fishing, dirt biking, racing motor-cross, playing cribbage, playing soccer and football and the time he spent with his family. Ken also coached his children's baseball and football teams. Ken is survived by his wife, Nancy Tomlinson of Spirit Lake; daughter, Rebecca Fowler of Spirit Lake; three sons, Ken Tomlinson, and his wife, Deborah of Dallas, Texas, Rodney Tomlinson, and his wife, Lisa of Mission Viejo, California, and Kyle Tomlinson, and his wife, Brooke of Spirit Lake; sister, Betty Rae Stradley of Des Moines; brother, Robert Tomlinson, and his wife, Elva of San Jacinto, California; eight grandchildren, Evan, Sean, Ian, Bryanna, Brandy, Bailey, Brandon and Andrew; and great-granddaughter, Lainey. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Doris Muskathel and Shirley Smith. A funeral service will be held at 11:00A.M. Monday, March 25, 2013, at the Schuchert Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Sunday, from 4:00P.M. until 6:00P.M. at the Schuchert Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Ken's name to the Santa Anta POA-Widows & Orphans Fund, 1607 N. Sycamore St., Santa Anta, CA, 92701.