* Kenneth W. Minkel; Navy Retiree, CYA Employee

Kenneth W. Minkel, a retired chief petty officer and stationary engineer, died at his Camarillo home Tuesday. He was 80.

Minkel was born March 14, 1919, in Chester, Iowa. His family moved to Rochester, Minn., when he was young. He grew up and went to school there, graduating from Rochester High School.

After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and served with the Atlantic fleet. He was later transferred to Long Beach and then served aboard the Norton Sound in Port Hueneme as a chief petty officer. Just before his retirement in 1959, he was a Navy recruiter in Ventura.

He was also a longtime member of the U.S. Naval Fleet Reserve in Port Hueneme.

Minkel was later employed at Camarillo State Hospital and the California Youth Authority as a stationary engineer. He retired in 1982.

Minkel was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Camarillo and enjoyed playing golf.

He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 57 years; a daughter, Veronica Lorman of Beverly Hills; five sons, David of Camarillo, Richard of San Luis Obispo, Roger of Ojai, and Kenny and John, both of Ventura; a sister, Evelyn I. Deitschman of Perris; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Magdalen Church with the Rev. John Morgan officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Assn., 6300 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100, Los Angeles 90048.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.