Obituary of Kenneth Lee Hubel

Kenneth L. Hubel, 87, died April 28, 2024.  He was born in Maynard, MN on June 8, 1936 to Helen (Spletter) and Leonard (Penny) Hubel.  Ken attended schools in Maynard and graduated in 1954.  He was in the Army National Guard and spent two years on active duty in both Panama and Puerto Rico.  Ken was stationed at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey and, while awaiting his orders, he met the love of his life (and his future wife), Roberta (Ballard) on a blind date.  They were married at All Saints Episcopal Church in Skowhegan, ME in January of 1957.

Ken was awarded the Citizenship award in high school.  While in the Army, he received the Expert (rifle) and Expert (BAR) awards.  He was released from the Army with an honorable discharge and remained with the Minnesota National Guard.

After living in Mankato, MN for over two years, Ken and Roberta moved to Palmyra, ME and lived with Roberta’s family until they bought her parents home/farm in 1962.  There, they raised five children (along with many cows, goats, horses, cats and dogs).  

Ken had joined the Episcopal Church in Willmar, MN.  After moving to Maine, he became a member of St. Martin’s, Palmyra.  He was active on the vestry for many years and went on to create stained glass windows for both the old and the present church!  

Ken was a member of the Maine Masonic Meridian Lodge #125 in Pittsfield and a member of the American Legion Post #105 in Newport.  He did HOSPICE volunteer work for a number of years with clients in Somerset County.  

While a full time dairy farmer, Ken taught Industrial Arts for over 27 years including time in Hermon, Skowhegan, Pittsfield, and Fairfield schools.  He did this while also traveling to Farmington and Portland/Gorham to complete his Bachelor’s Degree.  He was also active in the state Organization of Industrial Arts teachers, and a member of Epsilon Pi Tau, a Technology Education Honor Fraternity.  In his spare time, he attained his private pilot’s license!  Ken also handcrafted MANY beautiful pieces of furniture, plates, bowls, and other items from wood and other medium for many people.

Ken also learned how to be a nurse in caring for his wife Roberta for 11 years after a botched surgery in 2012.  He never left her side, providing her with around the clock care.

Ken was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Roberta, his parents, both of whom are buried in Maynard, MN, and his sister Shirley and her husband Tom Maroney.

He is survived by his five children, Michael and wife Roberta, Patricia, Paula, Beverly and husband Emery, and Matthew and wife Stacy, as well as his seven special  grandchildren, Shelby and husband Tyler, Logan and wife Heidi, Nicholas, Gianna, Emily and boyfriend Sam, Jake, and Quentin.  He is also survived by his brother David and his sister Diane and her husband Gene, all of Minnesota, along with many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Palmyra on June 8, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. with a celebration of his life immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ken’s memory to The Travis Mills Foundation, 647 Castle Island Road, Mt. Vernon, Maine 04352, or online at www.travismillsfoundation.org.