Kenneth R. Jeffery

Kenneth R. Jeffery, 80, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Traverse City, Michigan

Son of Amelia (Becker) and John Ronald Jeffery, he was born on June 6, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan. He attended Kimball High School, where he played on the football team as a defensive linebacker. Shortly after graduation in 1961, he entered the United States Air Force, serving his country proudly from 1962 to 1966.

On December 29, 1962, Ken married his high-school sweetheart Carolyn Swartz, a former Kimball cheerleader. They raised four children—Karen Maas (Stephen), Laura Chipman (Timothy), James Jeffery (Rebecca), and Amy Mack (Martin). They were stationed in Wadena, Minnesota. Later, the family resided in Warren, Alpena, Midland, Traverse City, and Cedar, Michigan, moving in step with Ken's work life.

After discharge from the USAF, Ken launched what would become a 40-year career in the carpeting and flooring industry, racking up thousands of miles on the road while covering his territories throughout Michigan. An affable man, he could make a friend with anyone he met, possessing an outlook on life that led to his personal and professional success.

A family man, he loved Sunday drives and road trips with his wife and children; the National Cherry Festival and, especially, the Blue Angels; and the beach, picnics, and bonfires. He never missed a sporting event, dance recital, or choir performance for his kids and grandkids.

Of note, Ken and Carolyn hosted "Color Tour" for 32 years, a weekend every October for which he mapped tours of Leelanau County and led a caravan of family vehicles to catch autumn color and scenic views. Afterward, family and friends met at "The Party Barn" on their Cedar property for a potluck meal, bonfire, camaraderie, and camping—even in unseasonable rain, sleet, and snow!

An avid photographer, Ken loved to document family activities, holidays, eye-catching scenery, and the humorous side of life. A music enthusiast, he especially enjoyed the "oldies"—music from the 1950s and 1960s. Last year, even as his illness progressed, he attended a Beach Boys concert at Interlochen. History was an abiding interest, and he poured over books, atlases, maps, what have you, and as technology progressed, he became proficient at online searches.

His daughters' memories embrace his kind heart, personable nature, problem-solving abilities, sense of humor, generosity, sense of adventure, and tinkering; and his son's memories are of fishing on Sanford Lake and Hubbard Lake, walking and talking about space, star-gazing, and great conversations about world events and history over a beer.

Ken is survived by Carolyn, his beloved wife of 61 years, his children, grandchildren—Jacob, Kate, Benjamin, Harrison, Lily, Henry, Nicole, Rachel, Jessi, and Justine—and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters Judith Livingston (Lynn) and Nancy Knister (James). He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, and granddaughter Anna Maas.

A parting thought from Ken Jeffery – "No guts, no glory!"

The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Military honors for Ken are scheduled for 10:45 a.m., and a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m

Ken's family and friends may gather at the Lake Ann Brewing Company, 6535 1st Street, Lake Ann, Michigan 49650, at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate his life.

Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution in Ken's name to The Leelanau Conservancy, 105 North First Street, Leland, Michigan 49654. Link: https://leelanauconservancy.org/donate/ . You may also contribute to a charity of your choice.