Kenneth Allen Maukonen 1951 - 2021

(To honor Ken's love for nature, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The National Audubon Society at www.audubon.org as a memorial gift.)

Ken was born in northeastern Ohio in 1951 and grew up in Burton, Ohio and Naples, Florida. In his youth, he enjoyed fishing and playing baseball. In his teens Ken learned to play the guitar, mainly self-taught. As notes and chords flowed into streams of melody, it was clear to all that Ken possessed both a gift for and love of creating music. Music flowed through his whole life, whether it was singing and playing the guitar, listening to a horn concerto, playing scales on his French horn, or restoring instruments to pass on to another person to enjoy.

While in High School, Ken chose the French horn as his instrument in band. His devotion to the horn and hours of practice earned him a music scholarship to the University of Miami. While at UM, Ken continued to refine his musical skills with the French Horn and later toured with a wind ensemble while studying at the University of Central Florida. He also played in the UCF Community Symphony Orchestra in the 1980's.

During his academic season at UCF, Ken's interests turned to Physics, and he graduated from UCF with a Bachelor of Science in 1986. Ken passed his knowledge onto others as a Physics lab instructor at Valencia Community College. Ken also became a creative and skilled stoneware potter, showing and selling his pieces at many art festivals in the southeastern United States.

Ken was a lifelong outdoorsman. He enjoyed astronomy, fishing, bird watching, hiking, swimming, and camping. As a young man, Ken hiked the Colorado Rockies, and his fond memories of that time he recalled often to his family over the years. His interest in and care for the outdoors and nature never waned, and he enjoyed swimming and hiking to the end of his days.

Ken is survived by his brothers Chris Maukonen and Doug Maukonen, and his two sisters, Donna Maukonen and Marcia Maukonen. He is fondly remembered by his niece, nephew, uncle, extended family and friends.

We remember his musical and creative gifts, accomplishments, and adventures. Most of all, we recall his gentleness, kindness, wry sense of humor, his wonder and love of nature, and his hopes and dreams. We miss him greatly.

A private family ceremony will be held in Burton, Ohio.

To honor Ken's love for nature, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The National Audubon Society at www.audubon.org as a memorial gift.