Kenneth E. 'Ken' Backman

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. - Kenneth E. "Ken" Backman, 75, of Platteville, died on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at his daughter's home in Coloma.

Ken was born on Sept, 1, 1939, in Highland Park, Mich., the son of Edward and June (Johnson) Backman. He was united in marriage to Rochelle Jackson on Feb. 27, 1960, in Ironwood, Mich.

Ken was very proud of his heritage, being from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he lived on the family dairy farm until he was 19. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in industrial management and a minor in psychology. He worked for J.I. Case in Racine, and then for John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years.

His faith throughout his life was of greatest importance to him and his family. For many years he served as a deacon.

He was an avid outdoorsman, where he fished muskies, and hunted deer, pheasant and partridge. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to fish, bow hunt and rifle hunt. He also raised field champion beagles. Ken especially enjoyed spending time with his family, children, grandchildren and great-grandson.

He is survived by his wife, Rochelle, of Platteville; children, Michael (Tonia) Backman, of Mosinee, and Michele (Wade) Rasmussen, of Coloma; six grandchildren, Haylee, Reidun, and Benjamin Backman, Amanda and Max Kenneth, and Gunnar Rasmussen; one great-grandson, Clayton; and sister, Kathryn (Steve) Blomberg, of Ferndale, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 12, 2015, at the New Hope Assembly of God Church, Platteville. Pastor Mike Majeski officiated. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family.

Memorials may be made to the Kenneth E. "Ken" Backman Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at melbyfh.com.