Kenneth "Ken" Sleder

Kenneth D. Sleder of Traverse City passed away at home on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Ken was born on June 18, 1929 at James Decker Munson Hospital in Traverse City to Alphonse P. (Bud) and Ella C. (Lautner) Sleder.

Ken graduated from Traverse City Central High School, Class of 1947. He then graduated from Michigan State University in 1949 with an Associate's Degree in Business Administration.

On October 12, 1949, Ken married his high school sweetheart, Nancy A. Bensley, at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. Together, Nan and Ken had three children: Kathryn, David and Jeffrey. Nancy passed away in September, 1971. Ken later married Sandra J. Wilson Hays in Traverse City. He and Sandy were blessed to spend 44 years together before his passing.

Ken became a full-time seasonal firefighter with the Traverse City Fire Department at the age of 16. He joined the Michigan State Police in January, 1952 and retired after 27 years of service. Ken served at seven different State Police Posts from the Indiana-Ohio borders to the shores of Gitchie-Gumee. He enjoyed his service to the people of the State of Michigan serving on several special details, including President Gerald Ford's visit to Traverse City in July of 1975. On May 7, 2022, Ken was awarded the Life Achievement Award from NMC's Police Academy during graduation ceremonies.

Ken owned and operated Sleder's Sugar Bush for 19 years. He served as Paradise Township Supervisor for 12 years, from 1980 to 1992. He held a State Level II Real Estate Assessor's License, and also a State Real Estate Appraiser's License. Ken served on the Rural Fire Board for 12 years, 5 years as Chairman. He was also on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for many years. Ken finished his career with employment at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, retiring at the age of 80.

Ken loved the woods. He loved working in the woods, just being in the woods - and in his earlier years, small game hunting. He enjoyed fishing, especially bass fishing using a fly rod on Long Lake with Gramp Bensley. Ken also made numerous and special friends while spending many weekly hours at "The Gym".

Sandy and Ken received much pleasure attending their sons' and grandsons' (Jason, Carson, Justin and Ben) football games and great grandsons' (Garrett, Hyker, Luke and Eli) football and baseball games.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Nancy, his brother and sister-in-law, Merlin and Josephine Sleder, and grandson Justin Hansen.

Ken is survived by his wife Sandy, daughter Kathryn Sleder, sons David (Leanne) Sleder and Jeffrey (Beverly) Sleder, step-daughters Vickie Hays, Valerie (Lonnie) Schaub, step-son Erick (Mary) Hays, and grandchildren Jason (Karmin) Sleder, Sonya Mahaney, Carson (Stacy) Rose, Jennifer (Dale) Cauthen, Jerri Jo Sleder (Kyle Marshall), Ben (Nolen) Sleder, Adrienne (Matt) Russell, Ryan Seftas, Morgan (Andrew) Opsasnick, Amber Hays, Jake Schaub, Ashley Hays, and Veronica Compton. He is also survived by his niece, Elaine (Bob) Chauvin and nephew Kyle Sleder and 14 great-grandchildren: Luke, Elijah, Brody, Jake, Mahaney, Mayson, Hyker, Ellis, Charlotte, Madison, Garrett, Evelyn, Colson and Canen, as well as extended family and many friends.

Visitation will take place on Saturday March 4, 2023 at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 4-7pm. A second visitation will be offered on Sunday March 5, 2023 from 11am-12pm. A funeral service honoring and celebrating Ken's life will begin at noon.
Family will privately lay Ken to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, Traverse City.

Memorial contributions in memory of Ken may be made to the Traverse City Salvation Army, Tunnels to Towers or the charity of one's choice.