Kenneth Backman

Kenneth E. “Ken” Backman, 75, of Platteville, died on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at his daughters' home in Coloma, WI. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2015 at the New Hope Assembly of God Church, Platteville. Pastor Mike Majeski will officiate. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Memorials may be made to the Kenneth E. “Ken” Backman Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Ken was born on September 1, 1939 in Highland Park, Michigan, the son of Edward and June (Johnson) Backman. He was united in marriage to Rochelle Jackson on February 27, 1960 in Ironwood, Michigan. Ken was very proud of his heritage, being from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he lived on the family dairy farm until he was 19. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in Industrial Management and a minor in Psychology. He worked for J I Case in Racine, Wisconsin and then for John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years. His faith throughout his life was greatest importance to himself and his family. For many years he served as a deacon. He was an avid outdoorsman, where he fished Muskie, hunted deer, pheasant and partridge. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to fish, bow hunt and rifle hunt. He also raised field champion beagles. Ken especially enjoyed spending time with his family; children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. He is survived by his wife, Rochelle, of Platteville; children, Michael (Tonia) Backman of Mosinee, WI; Michele (Wade) Rasmussen of Coloma, WI; six grandchildren; Haylee, Reidun, and Benjamin Backman; Amanda, Max Kenneth, and Gunnar Rasmussen; one great-grandson, Clayton; sister, Kathryn (Steve) Blomberg of Ferndale, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents.