Kenneth 'Ken' Paul Kreh

Kenneth “Ken” Kreh, 68, of Traverse City, passed away May 16, 2022. He was born August 5, 1953, in Saginaw, MI, to parents Kenneth and Valeria Kreh. Ken married the love of his life, Helen Bishop, on May 21, 1977, in Saginaw. They have a son, Colin, of Traverse City, and daughter, Courtney Yaple of Suttons Bay, along with a son-in-law, Christian Yaple, and two beautiful grandchildren, Roland and Maia Yaple. Ken graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School and Saginaw Valley State University with a business degree. He started Creative Business Forms with his wife, Helen, in 1986. He loved being self-employed and prided himself in excellent customer service. He shared a special bond with his customers. He was very proud when his son, Colin, decided to join him in the business two years ago; and now he will carry on his legacy by continuing the business. Ken was known for his deep Christian faith. He never missed an opportunity to share his faith with others; it was his mission of love. Ken loved meeting and talking with people everywhere he went. He served in the Keryx Prison Ministry for over ten years and loved every minute of it. He wrote inspirational bookmarks for the people he served in prison that were often given out as Christmas gifts for their loved ones. Ken had a vibrant sense of humor, and his signature joke was the pirate joke. The first pirate joke he heard was from his daughter when she was a teenager, and he loved it so much he started to make up his own pirate jokes, or others would help him come up with new material, and he told them as often as he could. Many of these would cause groans; but it became a trademark that the people who knew him came to love. He loved to share his humor and laughter with others. Ken started playing golf with his dad and brothers when he was eleven years old. He always loved the game and never stopped trying to perfect it. He accomplished many things in golf during his lifetime. He had six holes-in-one, his last one was in September 2020 on the 14th hole on the Wolverine, his favorite golf course. He enjoyed having the course record of 65 for many years at Elmbrook Golf Course, qualified for the Michigan Open three times, and had been a Club Champion at the Grand Traverse Resort. He played on his high school golf team and was coach of his son's high school team for five years. He was a gifted teacher and loved to share the game. Ken enjoyed many golf trips to Myrtle Beach with his brothers and friends. He loved time spent with his golf buddies, especially his son, Colin. More than anything, Ken enjoyed spending time with his family: camping trips when the kids were young, playing cards at any Kreh gathering (a tradition passed down from his parents), bike-riding, or simply sharing a good meal together. He loved his in-laws coming for weekend visits. Being a grandpa brought him his greatest joy. He loved his grandson, Roland, and granddaughter, Maia, dearly. Grandpa was always on the floor with "RoRo" playing with cars, trucks, and farm animals, and Maia's big smile for him warmed his heart each and every time, she would relax and fall asleep in his arms. He felt so blessed to be their grandpa. They spent nearly every weekend together and he cherished every moment with his family. Ken and Helen spent 47 years together and were ready to celebrate their 45th anniversary on May 21 with a trip to the U.P. with two dear friends. On the day preceding his death, Ken and Helen reminisced about their years together and shared how lucky they both felt to have had each other to spend their lives with. Ken is survived by his wife, Helen, son, Colin, daughter, Courtney (Christian) Yaple, grandchildren, Roland and Maia Yaple, brothers Bill (Bonnie), Gary, and Jim, all of the Saginaw area, two favorite aunts, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Valeria, and his brother, Greg. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church of Traverse City Sunday, May 22 at 2:00 PM with a visitation at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Christ Church of Traverse City, 430 Fair Street, Traverse City, MI 49686. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home

Kenneth 'Ken' Paul Kreh

August 5, 1953 - May 16, 2022