MARYSVILLE – It will forever be known as the House That Ken Built.

Ken Cage worked for a couple of decades trying to bring a museum to Marysville. It finally happened in June of 2017.

A few hundred people came to that museum Wednesday for a Celebration of Life for Cage, who died last week at the age of 87 after a battle with leukemia. Prior to the reception, funeral services took place at a packed Marysville Masonic Lodge followed by a burial at Marysville Cemetery.

At the museum, Ken’s son, Arlan, said of the facility, “My dad built it, with the help of my mom (Ethel).” Jodi Condyles, who along with son Peter had known Cage for years, said, “His spirit will always be here – always.”

City councilman and museum project manager Stephen Muller agreed.

“He lives within these walls,” he said, right after the song “How Great Thou Art” was played.

Muller said it was only fitting that The Great Hall in the museum was filled with people to honor Cage.

“He wanted this building to be a place where the community would gather,” he said.

Muller, who was born and raised here, said Cage wasn’t – but he loved the community like he was.

“It was amazing” how much he loved Marysville, even though the town “wasn’t his roots. I loved the man and his mission.”

Mayor Jon Nehring said he wondered for years if Marysville would ever get a museum.

“It’s because of Ken and his tenacity” that we did, he said, adding, “The event today is a tribute to him.”

JoAnn Donohue, a member of the historical society, said Cage made a huge difference in Marysville.

“It shows the value of what one person can do,” she said. “You, too, can make a difference in your community.”