By Deborah Larsen
Kenneth Wilber Cellner
Kenneth Wilber Cellner was born in Charlevoix, Michigan, on December 11, 1917, the son of August and Ida Pierce Cellner. Kenneth grew up in Charlevoix but came to Rochester, Michigan, to live with his aunt and uncle while working at the Ferry Seed Farm.
In October 1942, Kenneth entered the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the 381st Infantry Regiment of the 96th Infantry Division. The 381st was stationed in the Pacific Theater and saw action at Leyte and Okinawa. Kenneth was discharged from military service in January 1946.
After the war, Kenneth returned to Charlevoix, where he pursued a career as a barber. He married, started a family, and eventually relocated to Desert Hot Springs, California, where he continued to work as a barber until his death.
Kenneth Wilber Cellner died at age 68 on April 28, 1986.