Kenneth Parker

Kenneth B. Parker, 91, of Owendale, died following a short illness Tuesday, March 1, 2016 in Timberline Lodge, Caro. He was born December 14, 1924 in Pontiac, the youngest of seven children born to Silas Benjamin and Viola (Hinton) Parker. He married Frieda Ellie Kaufeld June 12, 1955 in the RLDS Church in Owendale. She died January 1, 2007.

Ken graduated from Owendale High School in 1942. He worked for the State of Michigan starting at a hospital in Battle Creek, then Ypsilanti and at the Caro Regional Center retiring in 1987 after 27 years of service. Ken worked as a Janitor Supervisor and his favorite job was driving truck on the grounds. As a young man, Ken worked with his Dad on the farm where he began a love of the outdoors. He enjoyed working in his vegetable gardens, driving around the Thumb to watch the freighters on the lake, and walking through his property. Ken loved his wife very much and called her his Dutch girl. Life for Ken wasn't the same after her death. Ken was an honest man and a man who loved to tell a joke to anyone who would listen.

Ken is survived by his children: Mary (Nick) Gould of Leroy, Norm (Patti) Parker of Cass City, Jack (Cindy) Parker of Sebewaing; grandchildren: Bridgett (Dave) Johnson, Heather Juengel, Jeremy (Kate Delong) Parker, Crystal Parker, Stacie (Ryan) Morrish, Ryan (Tori) Parker, Josh (Lyndsay) Parker; great grandchildren: Madelyn, Tyler, Kendra, Caiden, Zachary, Shaila, Hannah, McKenzie, Austin, Karlie, Viviann, Lily; the first great great grandchild is due in July. Ken is preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses: Wesley Parker, Mary (Lewis) Richards, Lucille (Clare) Kramp, Verneta (Kenny) Uhan, Tommy Parker, Jerry (Rose) Parker and all of his nieces and nephews.

Funeral service held 12:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2016 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with Elder Barent Eliason of Sanilac Restoration Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ officiating. Interment will be in Grant Township Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Parker: Jeremy Parker, Josh Parker, Austin Morrish, Crystal Parker, Heather Juengel, Ryan Parker, Ryan Morrish. Honorary pallbearers: Caiden Parker, Zachary Parker, Shaila Parker, Hannah Parker, Karlie Morrish, McKenzie Morrish, Viviann Parker. Memorials may be made to Thumb Octagon Barn or Hometown Hospice. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2016 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz, 989-872-2195