Kenneth Lee Barrows, 90, of Cumberland passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 23, 2024.

Born to Valmer and Anna (Benson) Barrows on August 10, 1933, in Cumberland, Ken spent most of his life in the city he loved.

Ken graduated from Cumberland High School in 1951. He was a standout athlete in several sports, but it was on the pitching mound that he became a local baseball legend. Ken served in the Army Medical Corp, and it was during this time that he married the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Gloria Annette Jacobson. Following his time in the Army, he attended UW River Falls where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Ken believed very strongly in community service. He was president of First Lutheran Church and a city alderman. He was also a member of the Cumberland Jaycees and Cumberland Kiwanis and most recently served on the board of his condo association until his passing. However, many local area residents will best remember him for guiding Cumberland Federal Bank for over 30 years, from a Savings and Loan into the community legacy institution it is today.

If you had asked Ken what was most important to him, he would have said without a doubt his family. His wisdom, generosity, and calm presence was the backbone of the family he loved so dearly, and he was happiest when they gathered at the cabin and land he cherished. Some of the many activities he enjoyed included hunting, fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, gardening, and running his chainsaw. Ken loved having fun, whether it be taking others for rides in his ATV, roasting hotdogs over a campfire, or starting a rousing acorn fight. And the family obsession with throwing things and collecting rocks started with him. Later in life he and Gloria looked forward to an almost daily drive on the backroads surrounding Cumberland.

Ken is survived by his wife Gloria, sister Shirley (Paul) Toft, brothers Valmer (Judy) Barrows and Richard (Cheryl) Barrows; children Deb Mahowald, Kevin (Jena) Barrows, and Todd (Lisa) Barrows; grandchildren Sara (Charles) Peterson, Molly (Jerry) Woodward, Logan (Jamie) Mahowald, Reid Barrows, Blane Barrows, and Jaida Jahn; 8 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lois (Myron) Helback.

An avid outdoorsman and nature lover, you can honor Ken by admiring every unique rock and majestic tree you encounter.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the following:

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation jdrf.org

Barron County Meals on Wheels:

Barron County ADRC

335 E Monroe Ave #112

Barron, WI 54812

Last Update: Mar 26, 2024 4:26 pm CDT