On Friday February 7th, 2025 Kenneth W. “Hook” (Holden) Brass played his last shot at life; pocketed the 8 ball, scratched and lost. Ken was born in Duluth, MN, on May 16th, 1951 to Kenneth J. Brass and BettyJane A. (Marcutt) Brass. Ken was a jack of many trades and loved shooting pool, had fun at flying model airplanes, was an avid fisherman, racing cars, or boats and almost anything that had a motor. What determination and strength of heart that sustained him in all those endeavors, and what fun he had!
After his car accident in June 1972, the odds were against him then. He was the first patient at the new Miller Dwan Burn Center, spending 7 months there. Acquiring a prosthesis for his right arm (amputated just below the elbow), began driving cab for Butch Beckwell , owner of Tip Top Cab, from ‘73-‘79. Ken became known as “Hook”, and the name stuck.
Shooting pool at Helen’s pool hall in his late adolescence and teen years, started his pool career. Back in the day, ‘80’s and ‘90’s, and into the 21st century, Ken was on the list of top 10 players in the twin ports. The rest is history.
Surviving are his wife Jeanne L. (Hokkala) Brass of 43 years, son Michael, daughter Melissa, from a first marriage, both in Salt Lake City, Utah, sister Debbie Cummings, Superior, brother Bill Holden, Superior, and Jim Holden, Rice Lake, step- sister Christine McGuire, Superior, aunt Darlene Hanson, in Gary New Duluth, MN, many nieces and nephews. Very special people in his life, LeRoy “Skip” Berg, “daughter” Kim (Ingles) Needham, and “grandson”, Shannen.
No services will be held at this time. A notification for a gathering will be posted for a later date.
