Ken Kellogg

Kenneth E. Kellogg was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who would do anything for his family. A devoted American and family man, he spent his days defending what he knew to be right, and cherishing what he loved.

The 1930s were a difficult time in the United States, which was ravaged by the Great Depression. Despite these hard times, families continued to grow and love was still abundant. One such family lived in Charles City, Iowa, where Ralph and Vera (Wiltse) Kellogg welcomed a baby boy into their lives on March 23, 1931. Kenneth was an only son, and was truly spoiled in getting all the attention from his parents. They were proud of their boy in everything he did, and they raised him to be a strong and compassionate person. His father was a farmer and worked at Oliver Manufacturing Company, showing Kenneth at a young age the importance of hard work and dedication.

Kenneth attended Charles City High School and had many friends growing up. As soon as he and his buddies graduated, they flipped a coin to see which branch of the armed forces to enlist in. The coin fell on the U.S. Marine Corp., and off he went to serve his country. He was stationed in Korea for a year where he ran the PX, bravely serving his country with honor. It was not unlike Kenneth to be devoted to seeing his responsibilities through. He was a trustworthy and honorable citizen.

He returned from Korea and was visiting a Marine friend in West Virginia when he was set up on a blind date with Loretta Lunsford. This simple event would change his life forever. Little did he know that Loretta would turn out to be the love of his life. The two quickly fell for each other, and were married after dating for just three months and fifteen days. Loretta was affectionately called "Lotty", and the couple happily began their life together. More joy would enter Kenneth's life with the birth of his daughter Pat, and their beautiful family would only keep on growing.

While still in the Marines, Kenneth played basketball while Loretta was their scorekeeper. The couple did everything together, and supported each other in all their endeavors. Kenneth attended Mason City Community College, where he played football as a lineman and where they welcomed their son, Greg. He then transferred to West Virginia State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. It was also there that Ken and Lotty were happy to have another son, Jeff.

Ken then got a job working in the office at Oliver Manufacturing, where his father worked. It was then that the family celebrated the arrival of their third son, Ken. It was a joy to Kenneth to see his children growing up, and he prided himself on being able to love and provide for them. He was not afraid to do hard work for the benefit of the people he loved.

He eventually was transferred to Lansing, MI where he became a line supervisor at John Bean Corporation. Someone told Kenneth he was crazy for working there, so he applied for and accepted a position with the State of Michigan. Kenneth had no problem adjusting his working life to best take care of his family. Being a father was his real occupation, and he loved to make his family happy.

After many years in his field, he retired as a Auditor in the Department of Transportation in 1988. It was then that they bought a fifth wheel and truck and traveled extensively, spending summers in Mancelona, Michigan and winters in Frostproof, Florida. He loved the outdoors and would play just about any sport he could. Kenneth was highly competitive, and loved to be on teams of any sort. His favorites were golf, tennis, fishing, and crab hunting. Another activity Kenneth enjoyed was being involved in groups at the Congregational Church in Avon Park, Florida. He worked with the Youth Programs, and he was happy to spend his days sharing his love of the Lord with those around him.

Even when Kenneth struggled physically, he still carried his load of responsibilities. He never complained of pain, and always just kept right on going in spite of difficulties. He loved his poodle "Tinker" and could be seen walking him while driving his golf cart. He loved going to fish camp at Baudette, MN every year with his buddies, and would "plow" his garden (with the help of his sons). When his health began to deteriorate, he took on the jobs of grocery shopping and cooking. Kenneth always did the best he could for himself and for his family, never regretting a single moment.

Sadly, as his years caught up with him, Kenneth E. Kellogg, age 78 of Frostproof, Florida and Port Aransas, Texas; formerly of Ovid, Michigan, passed away Friday, October 30, 2009. He will be forever missed and frequently remembered not only for his loving blue eyes and kind smile, but also for all the years of hard work he carried out to show his family his love for them.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Loretta Lunsford, whom he married in Nitro, West Viriginia on April 18, 1953. He is also survived by his daughter, Pat (Lee) Hibbard of Ovid, Michigan; three sons, Greg (Jane) Kellogg of Aransas Pass, Texas, Jeff (Cindy) Kellogg of Elsie, Michigan, and Ken (Aqualyn) Kellogg II of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Heather (Brent) Stinson and Holly Hibbard, Yvette Kellogg, Rita Collins and Paula Kellogg, Jacob Hadley, Hezekiah and Grace Fowler and Samantha and Rachel Kellogg; great-grandchildren, Emily, Cole, George IV, Blake and Aaron; sister, Shirley (Kendall) Dodge; and nieces in Iowa and a nephew in Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Betty LaCoste and Marian Sweeney. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 232 E. Oak St., Ovid, with the family receiving friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Private burial at Middlebury Cemetery. To learn more about Ken, add a memory or view his lifestory film go to www.lifestorynet.com/memories/52968. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

The Broken Chain

We little knew that day,

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death, we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,

Your love is still our guide.

And although we cannot see you,

You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.