Kenneth Edward Mrugala

Kenneth Edward Mrugala age 81 passed away peacefully surrounded by love on August 6, 2026. Ken grew up in NE Mpls and attended Holy Cross School and Edison HS. He was employed for 39 years by Mpls Public Schools as a construction coordinator. Ken was very committed to his family, attending school programs, baseball games, (ouch to some of the early band concerts which eventually improved), watching soccer and track events, attending dance performances, graduations and birthdays. He loved playing card games and for years played penny ante poker and 500.

Ken had four notable interests; fixing things, golf, working with wood and traveling. He was the family's "Mr. Fixit". His talents extended to helping townhouse neighbors as well. He loved working with wood making doll beds, an entertainment center, bookcases, flower planter boxes as well as four versions of a complex bird feeder. Ken could fix almost anything, and Jan was so lucky to have a resident handyman. Golf was an opportunity to enjoy a good course and good company, lunch and a beer and to spend time in the woods looking for lost golf balls which ultimately became lost once again! He really enjoyed working set up at the 3M Open Golf Tournament in Blaine. Ken was an avid MN sports fan.

He and Jan traveled to Australia, Mexico, England, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Iceland, Portugal, Costa Rica, Holland, Belgium and France. He especially enjoyed river cruising. The food and wine were great.

Volunteering at St. Joe's found him working in the kitchen doing food prep, cutting buckthorn at the little church, helping Jan with landscaping and holiday church decorating and whatever other projects Dean (Parish Administrator) had earmarked. Ken had several titles: Buckthorn King, a handy angel and along with Jan - Trouble 1 and Trouble 2!

It was a blessing to have spent so many years together figuring out life, grounded by faith, family and good friends.

Ken is survived by loving wife Janice (almost 59 years), daughter Lisa (Brad) Schultz, son Brian, brothers Ron (Jean) and Roger (Sue), grandchildren Nathan (Meg), Lindsay, Caitlin and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Josephine & Stan Mrugala and daughter-in-law Janet Mrugala.

Visitation on Friday, Aug 21 at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave N, 5-8 pm with rosary at 7:30. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am on Saturday Aug 22 at St. Joseph Parish Community, 8701 36th Ave N, New Hope, with visitation 1 hr prior to Mass.

Memorials preferred to PRISM, IOCP or St. Joseph Church.