Kenneth “Ken” Dawkins, age 106 of Valley City, ND passed away March 21, 2018 at The Legacy Place in Valley City.  Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the Epworth United Methodist Church with Rev. Dayne Zachrison officiating.  Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the church prior to the service.  Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Born October 12, 1911, Ken lived on the family farm near Glover, ND.  He attended the Divide school and was a 1929 graduate of Oakes High School.  Following high school, Ken worked for Lowe’s electric in Oakes, ND and on the family farm.  In 1934 Ken did additional study of electric refrigeration technology through the Utilities Engineering Institute of Chicago.  He was hired by the North American Creameries in 1936 and worked in Carrington, ND installing refrigeration units.

On January 30, 1937 he was united in marriage to Catherine “Kay”.  In the fall of 1938 Ken was hired by Valley Appliance in Valley City, ND and the couple moved to Valley City. In 1939 Ken left Valley Appliance to operate the Dawkins Refrigeration business.  He became the agent for all General Electric Products in 1943 and the business name was changed to Dawkins GE Store.

In 1954 Ken and Kay purchased the Dairy Queen in partnership with Harm and Lou Pals.  They operated the Dairy Queen for 9 years, selling it in 1964.

Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.  He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Eagles Lodge and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.  Ken and Kay were members of the Epworth United Methodist Church.

Following retirement Ken and Kay spent their winters in Florida.  They pulled their camper for eight years after which they purchased a permanent trailer home that they enjoyed for 20 years.  They made many friends in Florida and continued to correspond after they were unable to travel.  Ken and Kay moved to The Legacy Place in 2009.  Ken inspired many and was blessed with a long well lived life.

Ken was preceded in death by Catherine, his wife of more than 75 years; his parents; two brothers and a sister.  He is survived by one son, one daughter, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home, Valley City is assisting Ken’s family with arrangements.  An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com