Kenneth Guy Kallgren

MARLETTE, MI – Kenneth Guy Kallgren, age 84, died peacefully, surrounded by family at the Marlette Regional Hospital Hospice Residence on August 11, 2017 after a short, but valiant fight with cancer.
Ken was born October 8, 1932 in Guilford, ME to Byron and Doris Kallgren. He graduated in the Class of 1951 from Piscataquis High School in Guilford, ME. Ken served in the U.S. Army from 1952 – 1954 during the Korean War.
After the army, he permanently moved to Michigan, where he met his wife of 59 years, Lois (McMullen) Kallgren. They were married on June 29, 1958, and made Marlette, MI their home. He opened an accounting office, Smith & Kallgren, Inc., which was later sold to Yeo & Yeo, Inc. He continued to work for Yeo & Yeo and later for ABC Truck, Inc. In 1981, he was hired as Director of Finance at Marlette Community Hospital, now Marlette Regional Hospital. He retired from MRH in 2006.
Since his arrival to Marlette, volunteerism and community involvement have been an enormous part of Ken’s life.
In the early 1960’s Ken served as Mayor of Marlette (then known as Village President). He also served as city clerk and as a town councilman. He was a member of the Marlette Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Lions Club, where he served as Treasurer for many years.
In 1990, Ken & Lois brought the first “Tree of Shining Love” fundraiser to Marlette Regional Hospital. Over the years, this annual event has brought in thousands of dollars to purchase equipment for the hospital. He was an elder of the Marlette First Presbyterian Church, serving as a ruling elder several times and also served as Clerk of Session. He volunteered many hours to the school as his children and grandchildren were growing up. During the late 1970’s, they traveled extensively with the Marlette Red Raider Marching Band (Fader’s Raiders). Ken and Lois were chairpersons of the first Marlette Band Day Parade and community event, which later evolved into Marlette Country Fair Days, and today’s Dog Days of Summer.
Ken traveled to Maine for two weeks every summer to his beloved “camp” on Whetstone Pond. Although difficult, this year was no different. He was able to enjoy this time with his family and old friends.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Kallgren of Marlette; three children, Marie (John) Stanczak of Marlette, Bryan Kallgren of Troy and Karol (Dennis) Strahl of Midland; three grandchildren, Cynthia Stanczak of Albion, Melanie (David) Shehan of Clarkston and Kassandra Strahl of Midland; and two great grand-children, Addison and Caelyn Shehan of Clarkston. He will be missed by a very close extended family of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law and cousins.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Doris Kallgren; two brothers, Blaine and Robert Kallgren; and son-in-law, John Stanczak.
The family will received friends from 3 – 8 PM Monday, August 14, 2017 and beginning 10 AM prior to the service Tuesday, at Marsh Funeral Chapel in Marlette.
A Funeral Service was held at 11 AM Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at Marsh Funeral Chapel in Marlette with Pastor Chris Wolf officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marlette First Presbyterian Church, MRH Hospice Residence, or Leader Dogs for the Blind.
You may share an online condolence at www.marshfuneral.com.
Arrangements by Marsh Funeral Chapel, 2675 Main St., Marlette, MI 48453 Phone 989-635-3658.