Kenneth John Huotari

Kenneth (Ken) John Huotari, 83, of Monroe, Washington, was called to his heavenly home on September 16, 2026, at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Washington. His faith was most precious to him, and he has joined his wife and our mom in Heaven, where they are rejoicing with the angels.

Ken, also known as “Knuck,” was born March 5, 1943, in Humboldt, Michigan, the seventh of eight children of Toivo Onni and Helen Eleanor (Ulvinen) Huotari. He took special pride in “the UP” of Michigan, and he always enjoyed trips back to his childhood home.

Ken was valedictorian at Champion High School in Michigan, and then graduated from Michigan Technological University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Ken and Sandra (Sandy) Kay Mattila were married on July 6, 1968, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They began their life together in Minneapolis and Plymouth, where he worked at Control Data. Ken and Sandy lived a short time in North Dakota, and in 1981, moved to Monroe, Washington. They spent many happy years together in Monroe raising their family. Ken worked as a Quality Engineer for Boeing, retiring from there in 2017.

On July 6, 2018, Ken and Sandy celebrated 50 beautiful years of marriage together with their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and friends.

Ken was one of the sweetest, most genuine and loving men. He provided care at home for Sandy for many years after she had a stroke in 2006. He taught his children the value of both hard work and how to have fun. He was a patient and gentle father, always helping his kids, and putting them first.

Ken loved visiting with his family and friends, expressing sincere interest in the details of their lives. He enjoyed taking trips to church services and catching up with relatives across the country. His children and grandchildren cherish their many memories of skiing with him, and his friends will miss their weekly breakfasts.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; parents, Toivo and Helen Huotari; brother, Ron Huotari; sisters, Lorraine Palmer, Ruth Pietila, and Marilyn Rintamaki; grandson, Thomas Roberts; granddaughter, Angelika Huotari; and great-granddaughter, Lucille Huotari.

Ken is survived by his 11 children: John (Dawn), Aaron (Joy), Theresa, Ryan (Tiffany), Mark, Kristin (David), Rachel (Dean), Timothy, Michael (Jenni), Todd (Lindsey), and Sarah (Ryan); 50 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and three siblings, Lloyd, Gus, and Jean.

A visitation will be held at Monroe Seventh-day Adventist Church, 14118 Chain Lake Rd, Monroe, WA 98272, US, on September 22, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm, followed by a funeral service at the same location on September 22, 2026, beginning at 1:30 pm.

A graveside service will take place at IOOF Cemetery, 21714 Old Owen Rd, Monroe, WA 98272, US, on September 22, 2026, beginning at 3:00 pm.