Kenneth M. Hustvet

“To thine own self be true.”

As much as he was able, Kenneth M. Hustvet, 67, of the town of Chicog lived that philosophy. He died unexpectedly on January 10, 2014, and, as he would describe it, passed into “another time-space continuum.”

He was born in December 1946 to Jacob “Jack” and Elberna “Berna” Hustvet in the town of Chicog, Washburn County. He was raised there on the family’s resort, Trails End Resort, which his father built, and Ken’s storytelling often kept visiting children spellbound.

He graduated from Spooner High School in 1965 and joined the U.S. Navy for a four-year term, which included tours in the Vietnam War aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The war left its scars on him, and he was a longtime member of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

He thrived in the Counterculture years in the late ‘60s and into the ‘70s; his soul found the most peace, inspiration, and connection in that era.

He traveled across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Mexico and worked at a diverse variety of interesting jobs through the years.

In 1982 he married Julie Snyder, who he called his “blue-eyed bride” for decades afterwards. Altogether their lives were intertwined for 37 years.

Ken was a natural-born storyteller and writer, and frequently in his casual everyday speaking spun phrases that made people stop and think. He held strong opinions and convictions and didn’t hesitate to speak about them or stand up for them.

He always kept abreast of the news and most days read a daily paper.

He deeply loved the woods, the land of his homeland, and a home that he called his sanctuary. He was passionate and meticulous in his personal pursuits.

Ken is survived by his wife, Julie Hustvet; three sisters, Emma Herdt of Frog Creek Township, Judith (William) Vitcenda of Hayward, and Priscilla “Pat” (Gerald) Miller of Spooner; cousins; nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; and his greatly loved dogs and cat.

His parents preceded him in death.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Home in Spooner.

If desired, memorials can be made to the Washburn County Area Humane Society in Spooner or to the effort to help retain Palace Theater in Spooner (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/788447619/the-palace-project).