Kenneth William Rose, 73, of North Branch, passed away peacefully at home on May 15th following a lengthy illness.
Ken was born May 17, 1948, to Clare and Irene (Hodge) Rose of Otter Lake. After graduating from Lakeville High School with the class of 1966, Ken went to work at General Motors where he remained employed for 33 years, retiring in 1999. Ken was drafted into the Army and served as a helicopter mechanic from 1969-1971. Ken had orders to deploy to Vietnam but his deployment was halted when, hours before his scheduled departure, President Nixon announced he would not be sending more troops to the war.
Ken married Lori Starkey on May 27, 1972 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lapeer, and she survives.
Hailing from generations of farmers, Ken was gifted with a green thumb and spent many hours tending his garden and fruit trees, and was equally happy on a tractor in the fields. He particularly enjoyed helping his on Todd with his crops and livestock as he carries on the Rose farming tradition. He also enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, and camping, particularly at Otsego Lake State Park. An avid pet lover, he was often seen with a dog, cat, horse, or cow, and always felt there was room for one more pet in the Rose home, even when Lori (mildly) protested.
Ken enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in their extracurricular endeavors, and he and Lori made every attempt to attend as many events as possible. Ken particularly enjoyed supporting his grandkids while playing North Branch football or performing in the Petoskey Marching Band. One of his favorite memories was traveling to New Orleans for Mardi Graw in 2013 with the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band and riding on the parade float, throwing beads to the parade-goers. Ken and Lori also took each of their grandchildren on a trip of their choice, traveling to Florida, California, Minnesota, New York City, and Washington D.C.
Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Lori, children Kathe (Bryan) Shaw of Petoskey, and Todd (Kerry) Rose of Otter Lake, grandchildren Alec Shaw of Boyne Falls, Kendra Shaw of Petoskey, Gabriel (Lizzeth) Rose of Wixom, Grant (Cora McLean) Rose of Wixom, Olivia Shaw of Petoskey, Garet Rose of Otter Lake, and Madeline Shaw of Petoskey. Also surviving are sisters, Linda (Caroll) Arms of Lapeer and Debbie Lotter of Silverwood; sister in law, Mildred Hawkins of Lapeer, brother in law, Bob (Kathy) Starkey of Milford, DE, and sister in law, Lowis (Nate) Forrester of Traverse City, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. The extended Hill family welcomed Ken and Loir as their own many years ago, and have always been considered family as well. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ronald, grandson, Matthew Shaw, and Joe and Shirley (Hill) Gleason.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Sun, May 22, 2022 at Muir Brothers Funeral Home, Lapeer. Ken’s funeral service will be at 11 am Mon, May 23, 2022 at Muir Brothers – Pastor Brent Jerome will officiate. Burial will follow at Deerfield Township Cemetery. Ken’s family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 to 11 am the morning of the service.