Kenneth Boyden

Kenneth G. Boyden, age 75 of Cottage Grove, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at his home with family.

Memorial service will be 11 am, Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 8694 – 80th Street S, Cottage Grove. A visitation will be Monday, October 5, 2015 from 4-8 pm at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 – 80th Street S., Cottage Grove and also one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be at the Cottage Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or the MN Association for Injured Peace Officers.

Kenneth George Boyden was born July 18, 1940 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Charles and Bernadette (Weber) Boyden. He grew up in West St. Paul and attended grade school at St. Matthew's. Ken graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1958. He entered active duty in the US Air Force and proudly served his country from 1958 to 1962. He was united in marriage on September 4, 1965 to Maureen "Micky" Connaker at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hudson, Wisconsin and the couple made their home in Cottage Grove.

Ken served on the Cottage Grove Police Department from 1966 to 1979 and went on to the Washington County Sheriff's Department. During that time he was selected to attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. After 29 years in law enforcement, he retired in 1995. Ken enjoyed bowling, golf and was extremely proud of the recognition he received while in law enforcement.

Ken is survived by his four children, Jadd (Mary) Boyden, Julie (James) Hyrkas, Jeff Boyden and Jill Boyden; 10 grandchildren, Collin, Anthony, Carter, Emily, Kenneth, Kieran, Heidi, Brady, Donovan and Jennifer; brothers, Ronald and Robert (Sharon) Boyden. He is preceded in death by his wife Maureen "Micky" and parents, Charles and Bernadette.