Kenneth John O'Shea

Kenneth O'Shea, age 73, of Houlton, WI, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. He was born September 29, 1953 to Lorin Clovis and Gertrude Marie (Polansky) O'Shea in Stillwater, MN.

Fondly known as KENNYFIXIT, Ken found passion and fulfillment in helping others. He spent much of his time wrenching on vehicles, repairing anything from electric hair clippers to scuba diving equipment, wiring circuits, or building tools and structures. Whether it was changing brake pads, replacing injectors, installing the electrical in an entire building, resolving IT woes, building a computer from scratch, or pulling a car out of a ditch mid-winter storm, Kenny could be counted on to help fix it and to impart knowledge along the way. During his career as an R&D Technician at 3M in Maplewood, MN, Ken contributed to the development of many well-known products, and was often consulted for his broad expertise and skill set. He retired from 3M in 2018 but continued helping friends and family with repair work and odd jobs for the rest of his life.

Ken's passion for "fixing things for others" extended to the kitchen. He enjoyed cooking and grilling, especially for his immediate family; preparing favorite dishes for extended family gatherings; and volunteering to cook and serve fried chicken at the American Legion in Bayport, MN. Besides being a skilled engineer, mechanic, and chef, Kenny was also an avid card player and gamer.

Ken is survived by his wife, Lori; children, Nicki (Barry Van Tassell) and AJ (Kayla); granddaughter, Adelaide; siblings, Peggy Ryan, Danny, Gerry (Corrine), and Ann Holden (Mike); siblings-in-law, Lonnie Millin (Dee Dee), Jerry Millin (Cindy), and Jeff Millin (Kelly); many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends; and "grandsons," Ethan and Eason Eves. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Judy Greeder; sister-in-law, Sharon O'Shea; and nephew, Tim O'Shea.

Thank you to Baldwin Care Center and the Lakeview Hospice Team for providing care and comfort in the days leading up to Ken's passing.

Kenny touched many, many lives and will be fondly remembered as a proud father, reliable friend, and the guy who could surely fix anything.

Cremation services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.