Kenneth "Ken" Joseph Edwards of Cedar, Michigan, age 89, died peacefully at home on March 21, 2023, after a brief illness. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Ken was born in Merrill, Michigan on February 9, 1934, the fourth of thirteen children to Guy and Ivadel (Gilfoil) Edwards. Kenneth married Marilyn C. Taugher (Lynn) on October 24, 1953, and together they raised four children.
Ken worked as a tool and die inspector for Saginaw Steering Gear where he met Lynn. Ken also worked in the pro shop for Timbertown Bowling Alley in Saginaw for many years as well. After retirement, Ken and Lynn moved into the retirement home they built with the help of friends and family in Cedar, Michigan, where he enjoyed working on the LaCross Farms cherry orchards in and around Leelanau County. Ken enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and friends. Ken also discovered an ability in woodworking that he enjoyed immensely making many things to give to others to enjoy. Ken and Lynn enjoyed spending winters in Gulf Shores, AL. Ken was a proud member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church of Lake Leelanau, the Knights of Columbus, The Cedar Chamber of Commerce, and enjoyed working the Annual Cedar Polka Fest.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Lynn; and three children, Kenneth Jr. (Mary) Edwards of Grandville, Steven (Patricia) Edwards of Houghton Lake, and Chris (David) Morlick of Saginaw; brothers Charles (Delores), David, and Anthony; grandchildren Jessica, Jamie (Jason), Shannon, Tessa (Josh), Ashley (Brandon), Eric and Anthony; and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; special family members, the Smith's, the Taugher's, and the Gadd's. Ken was predeceased by his son Marc Edwards; his parents; brothers and sisters, Guy Jr., Harold, Gladys, Madeline, Edward, John, Jack, Duane, and Jim.
Relatives and friends may call on the family during a time of visitation from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 403 St. Mary's Street, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653. There will be a Praying of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Ben Martin at 11:00 a.m. on July 22, 2023 at St. Mary's. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. There will be a luncheon immediately following.
Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers in Kenneth's name to St Mary Assumption School, P.O. Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653; or to Munson Hospice, c/o Munson Healthcare Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.