Ginn, Kenneth L., 94, May 15, 2014. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements by Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
CARIBOU – Kenneth L. Ginn, 94, passed away in the early morning hours of May 15, 2014, at the Caribou Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, after a brief illness. He had enjoyed visits with his children, grandchildren, one great-grandchild, other members of his extended family, and his friends in the days leading up to his death. He was born in Woodland, Maine, on October 12, 1919, the oldest son and second child of Lemuel Ginn and Flora (Hulbert) Ginn who were married July 18, 1917.
He excelled in cross-country skiing at Caribou High School, and completed the Rivière-du-Loup to Caribou Marathon in 1938. He married Winona Harris on January 27, 1941, and they enjoyed nearly 71 years of marriage. He worked a number of jobs, including as a federal and state agricultural inspector, until 1952, when he accepted an offer from his good friend, Warren Anderson, to become the general manager of Aroostook Motors, the local Chrysler dealership. In 1958 he went into business for himself, starting Mutual Motors, an automobile dealership that included Volvo, Saab, Dodge and Subaru franchises at different times over the next 25 years. He also served as a member of the New England Dodge Dealership Council and briefly as a member of the National Saab Council.
He loved politics, both national and local, serving three terms on the Caribou Town Council and one term on the School Board. He also loved the Caribou community, serving on the Chamber of Commerce and as a charter member of the Caribou Kiwanis Club. His family and friends were always the center of his life, and he liked to say that he had no enemies. He was a member of Caribou United Baptist Church for nearly 60 years, taught Sunday school, served on the board of deacons and was very active on various church committees.
He is survived by three children, Diane Berndt, Brenda Thomason and Gregg Ginn; his brother, Robert Ginn; sister-in-law, Wanda (Harris) Haines; son-in-law, Willie Berndt; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Lynch; eight grandchildren, Gregg Berndt and wife, Shanda; Adam Berndt and wife, Jennifer; Kenneth Thomason and wife, Linda; Michelle (Thomason) Jump and husband Josh; John Ginn and wife, Jennifer; Matt Ginn and wife, Chelsea; Doug Ginn and Liam Ginn; and eight great-grandchildren, Colton, Logan and Peyton Berndt, Billy Reese, Alex Thomason, and Grace, Jack and Luke Ginn. Also, like children to him were his nieces, Lori Haines and Kristi (Haines) Michaud and husband, Reggie; and like grandchildren to him were his great-nephews, Jacob and Kristopher Michaud. Mr. Ginn was predeceased by his wife, Winona Harris Ginn, on December 16, 2011; his sisters, Geraldine Mathews and Doris Guiggey; his brother, Wendell Ginn; and son-in-law, Lee Thomason.
Friends called from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the Caribou United Baptist Church with Pastor Troy Heald and Rev. Otto Palmer officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Baptist Park. Envelopes are available through the funeral home. mocklerfuneralhome.com
