Ken Berentsen, age 88 of Manistee, Michigan and summer visitor to Winnemucca, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 8, 2016. Ken was in the company of his family members.
He was born on July 17, 1927 in Manistee, the son of the late Raymond and Grace Berentsen. Ken played football and graduated from Manistee High School with the class of 1946, following his return from the Navy during WW II. While serving his country in the Pacific Theater as Seaman 1st Class, Ken traveled to the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Japan and Korea. He was aboard LST’s, LSMR’s and the small landing craft, and would later share these experiences with family and friends. He was awarded the American Area, Asiatic Pacific, & World War II Victory Ribbons. He continued his education and football career at Central Michigan University graduating with his BA in Industrial Arts, and Michigan State University graduating with his MA in Industrial Psychology. Ken was also a lifeguard and swim instructor in the summers on the beaches of Manistee during this time.
Ken married Willa Mae Ray on September 1, 1951 at the United Methodist Church in Manistee and they were together for 56 loving years until her passing on June 13, 2008.
Ken was employed with General Motors Corporation in Saginaw, Michigan until his retirement in 1982. Ken returned to the town he loved, Manistee, following his retirement. He was very active with the Manistee Planning Commission, Downtown Development Association and was the Manistee County Drain Commissioner for many years. He wanted to be part of the town and “make a difference” to help Manistee prosper.
On June 2, 2015, Ken was invited to partake in the Mid-Michigan Honors Flight-Mission 3, with his fellow WWII vets. This was a very “Awesome” experience where he toured Washington DC, the WW II Memorial and was greeted and applauded by many active service personnel, families and school children upon his return. (Manistee News Advocate, June 20 & 21, 2015 edition)
He enjoyed working on his tree farm, watching things grow, his hunting camp and spending time with his sons and grandchildren.
Ken is survived by his two sons, Lars (Deanne) Berentsen of Manistee, Michigan and Eric (Sharlet) Berentsen of Winnemucca, Nevada; six grandchildren, Morgan (Duane) Troike, Karl, Kirk, Nicholas, Jacob, Thomas and great granddaughter Dannika Berentsen. Ken also has 2 step grandchildren, Evan and Avery Weston
He also was preceded in death by a son, Steven Berentsen in 1960.
Celebration of Life will be held on April 30, 2016 beginning with visitation at 11:00 am and service at noon at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 412 4th Street, Manistee, Michigan with Reverend Elizabeth Hoy officiating. Private interment services with Military Honors by The United Veterans Council Drill Team will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee.
Memorial contributions in memory of Ken may be directed to Manistee High School 350 Club, 525 12th Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660.
Please visit Ken’s personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center.
