Ken Gregory

Surrounded by “his girls”, Ken passed away on the evening of September 10th 2025 after a long and valiant fight. Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on September 4th 1954 to Alfred and Marjorie (Sutherland) Gregory, his early years set the tone for a life that was built around an appreciation for the natural world. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries & Wildlife and a Masters in Parks & Recreation from Michigan State University. Using this knowledge for the rest of his working life, he was employed both as a naturalist for state and federal parks in Indiana and as a director of the Traverse City Clinch Park Zoo. He especially enjoyed passing on his wealth of information by presenting programs at the various local schools. His final job was for the city of Traverse City where he took great pride in participating in the joint city/county effort to return the Boardman River to its natural state. In retirement, he remained committed to the Boardman River reclamation project, serving on the Natural Education Reserve Advisory Committee. His hobbies of hiking, bird watching, and wildlife/landscape photography also reflected his need to be outdoors. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather, Ken’s life centered around his family. He was so very proud of his three daughters and loved spending time with them. His grandson, Emerson, was the new light of his life and he looked forward to every visit! Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred & Marjorie (Sutherland) Gregory; stepfather, Thomas Krakker Sr.; and stepbrother, Steve Krakker. He will be missed by his wife, Patsy “Pat” Gregory; daughters, Brittany Gregory, Paige Gregory (significant other, Adam Jensen), Caitlin Gregory (Damian Nelson); grandson, Emerson Nelson; stepsiblings, Thomas Krakker Jr., James (Linda) Krakker; siblings-in-law, Doug Amidon, David Amidon, Daryl Amidon, Karen Fritz; and many nieces, nephews, and Sutherland cousins. The family would like to give a special thanks to Hospice of Northern Michigan for their outstanding care of Ken and their family during the last few months. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Traverse Botanic Garden, in the Pavilion. (Pending weather, it will be moved indoors). All are welcome to join the family at the end of the celebration on a Memorial Walk into the hills behind the venue in honor of Ken. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grand Traverse Conservation District, especially for the Boardman River Nature Center or the Grand Traverse Education Reserve.

Ken Gregory

September 4, 1954 - September 10, 2025