Ken West

Ken West, a dedicated family man passed away peacefully at 87 years of age in his childhood home on Wednesday, June 12th 2024. Ken attended Catholic Central High School, graduating class of ’54, and then proceeded to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College, where he played on the baseball team with his lifelong friend, Gene. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. “Kenny and Lou” as they lovingly called one another, were blissfully married for 64 years, and their love for one another is never ending. Ken was very determined with a hard work ethic and had a positive impact on all who knew him. He was a proud veteran of the US Army where he served in the reserves upon graduation. While in the service, Ken and a good friend opened a hardware store that he loved. He then went on to work as an accountant for General Motors for more than 30 years before retiring; all while raising eight wonderful children. Anyone that knew Ken, knew his motto was always family first no matter what. They also knew of his love for the Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, where he would never miss an opening day with his sons. God’s greatest gift to Ken was his humor, and it was infectious to all who knew him. He was known to go for Euchre “loners” more than anyone and giving us all a good laugh while he did it. He no longer has to “go alone” and is now sitting at the table that God has prepared for him. Ken is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Sr. and Helen West, parents in-law Walter and Pauline Junewick , brothers and in-laws Gary and Julie West, Tom Chrisman, Norbie and Lorraine Junewick, Jerry and Betty Junewick, Chrissy Junewick, grandson Troy Roguska, and great grandson Landry Hollern. Ken will be greatly missed by his wife Mary Lou West, his siblings and in-laws Ed (Charlotte) West, Jeanne (Jerry) Southland, Arnold (Lynne) Junewick, Carol (Tom) Nezwek, his children Tom (Traci) West, Shelly (Pat) Hollern, Rick (Nina) West, Sandy Roguska, Brian (Jeannine) West, Paula Kessler, Debbie (Ted) Reinbold, Matt (Keyda) West, 28 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Monday, June 17th from 4:00-7:00 at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries at 3525 Remembrance Rd NW, Grand Rapids MI, with a Bible service immediately following. A mass of celebration will be held Tuesday, June 18th 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2275 Diamond NE, Grand Rapids MI, at 11:00 AM, with Father Tom Page presiding. There will be an hour visitation prior to the service and a luncheon immediately following. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a donation in honor of Ken can do so via the Samuel Omogo Foundation or Landry’s Light Foundation.

Tributes

Ken West

August 9, 1936 - June 12, 2024