Ken Varnesdeel

Well loved, dedicated and generous, Ken Varnesdeel's life was enriched in many ways. From the music he loved to the family he adored, Ken's devotion was clearly seen throughout his life. He knew how to make others smile, and through his musical talents, he was at his best. During the last of his days, his profound courage and strength offered comfort to those who knew and loved him. For these things and so much more, Ken will be deeply missed.

Ken's story began during the post World War II baby boom. Prosperity and inflation were climbing just as industry and manufacturing were at an all time high. The influx of new families created a housing shortage, and builders could barely keep up with demand. Known as the "greatest generation," Americans came through the perils of the Great Depression, succeeded through yet another world war, and were ready to begin anew. In the village of Cassopolis, Michigan, nothing brought greater joy to the lives of James and Rosa (Alick) Varnesdeel than the September 8, 1948 birth of the first child, Kenneth.

The oldest of eventually six children, Ken and his family moved to Paw Paw, Michigan when he was quite young. He was raised alongside his two sisters, Marsha and Deborah, and three brothers, Bernard, James and Michael. To support their thriving family, Ken's dad was a jack-of-all-trades while his mother worked at the State Hospital and as a cook.

Ken attended the area schools and from an early age developed a great love of music and sports. During his youth he learned to play the bass guitar and piano. When it came to sports, he played basketball and did gymnastics. He also enjoyed many adventures as a young man, finding his share of mischief and trouble. Although he began attending Paw Paw High School, Ken left for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to live with his aunt where he completed his high school education.

After high school, Ken enlisted with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, home of the Airborne and Special Forces, he served as a clerk and paratrooper. The Army taught Ken a great deal. In all, his Army experience proved to be a time of growth for him and was a positive time in his life.

Following Ken's honorable discharge from the service, he returned home to Paw Paw where he began working at the State Hospital. He hooked up with a few old and new friends, playing in several bands. Ken loved entertaining and the exhilaration it provided him. He enjoyed playing all kinds of music, especially his own. Mustang Sally was his signature song, but he was also known for his great rendition of Free Bird.

Through mutual friends, Ken met the woman who would come to be his life's companion and helpmate, Ellen. After dating for a short time, Ken and Ellen exchanged vows of marriage on July 9, 1976 at the Justice of the Peace. For a short time they moved to Pasadena California where Ken joined a band doing what he does best. Ken and Ellen returned to Michigan where they soon began a family to call their own with the eventual births of Marrisha, Deneyse, and Issac.

Ken was in his element when it came to being a father. He already possessed a great love for kids, and was a wonderful and involved father. He coached their softball teams, along with Issac's rocket football and the girl's gymnastics. He absolutely loved coaching, yet also loved serving as a baseball and softball referee and umpire. Together Ken and the kids created great memories during this time in their lives. Ken played in a dart league for a while and loved to bowl when the kids were growing up. Later in life, he played summer softball for many years and was proud of all his trophies. As a family they also enjoyed a fun-filled trip to Sea World together.

After 20 years working at the State Hospital, Ken retired in 1995. Although never one to be idle, he for a time worked at Ray's Diner on W. Main Street in Kalamazoo with his friend, Ray Gipson and also did some building contracting work with his fellow band mate and friend Ken Jones. He dabbled in a little of this, and a little of that for a time, but his love of cooking really came through at this point. He cooked for the Gull Lake Country Club and for a few years was the personal chef for the Delta Zeta Sorority. Ken was a perfectionist when cooking, and to him, it was all presentation after taste. He fussed over details, and was all about making his own sauces, too. When it came to food, Ken could eat anything.

Throughout this time, Ken continued playing and his love of music never waned. Even though he loved all genres of music, he played and sang with a strong bass line mixed with a little funk. His passion continued until Ken could no longer stand. For five and a half years he was on dialysis, and never once complained about his circumstances. Ken's stubborn nature found him driving himself to all his appointments as he never wanted to burden anyone with this daunting schedule.

A friend to many and a stranger to none, Ken could easily strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a little ornery at times, especially when he believed he was right about something. Even when Ken was working and playing, he was typically a homebody. Later, when his health began to decline, he played poker. He liked Texas Hold’Em and played on the computer. He was always up for a game of Bid Whist with his family. He also liked being out on the inland lakes fishing whenever he could. A big University of Michigan fan, Ken also followed the Detroit Tigers.

More than anything, Ken was content being at home chilling. He especially loved spending time with his grandkids, and shared many stories with them about their moms when they were little. Ken was a great uncle, too. All his nieces and nephews loved him and over the years he attended many of their functions.

A friendly sort, Ken Varnesdeel had a good sense of humor. It was a joy to be in his company, and he loved bringing a smile to someone's day and a song to their heart. Generous by nature, he was a man of integrity whose kind and dedicated ways shone bright. Deeply loved, the heart of Ken will be forever remembered.

Kenneth Varnesdeel, age 65, died on Saturday, March 15, 2014 in Kalamazoo. Services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900. Please come wearing U of M gear or anything relating to Ken's band or music. Following the service, food and fellowship will be shared at the Oshtemo Community Center. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Marsha and Deborah. Members of his family include his wife of 40 years, Ellen Varnesdeel; three children: Marrisha (Tim) Prior, Deneyse (James) Reincke and Issac Varnesdeel; three grandchildren: Grace Pasterik and Gavynn and Madyx Reincke; three brothers: Bernard, James and Michael Varnesdeel; many nieces and nephews. Please visit Ken’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.