Kenneth James Host passed away April 24, 2025, at American House in Holland, MI.
Ken was born May 19, 1937, in Hesperia, MI. He left high school to help his family and later joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960, where he received his GED and became a mechanic while serving on Midway Island, where he used that training to carry him through the rest of his life.
Ken’s career took him in several directions. He designed auto egg collectors at Big Dutchman and worked at Lear Siegler as a machine operator, both being in Zeeland, MI. He then became a licensed builder, co-founding G+H Builders, building the family home along with many other homes and businesses within the Holland-Zeeland area.
Ken, along with his wife, Marg, became resort owners in the Upper Peninsula, in Curtis, on Big Manistique Lake. That love for the UP cemented their decision to build their retirement home on the outskirts of McMillan. As his final career choice, he became the “King of Pop,” running a kettle corn booth, where he traveled to numerous festivals in the upper and lower regions of Michigan. He really enjoyed Tulip Time in Holland, enjoyed camping with his family in the summer months, and traveled to many places, especially Alaska, visiting several times. Fishing was a great way for Ken to unwind and relax, particularly at his best spot on the Fox River, where he taught his family how to read the ripples to find that brook trout.
Ken is survived by his children, Kentrina Jeannean Host, Marsha ‘Rene’ (Ross) Saunders, Catherine (Todd) Telgenhof, and Clint (Becky) Coffman; his brothers Mike (Tammy) Host, Paul (Karen) Host, Herbie Host, Robert (Yvonne) Schwartz, and James Schwartz; his sisters Betty Story, Shirley Baker, Sue (Joseph) Council, and Nancy Shively; and bonus sisters Joy Bramer, Dianne Armstrong, Marie (Louie) Butler, Kristi (Johnny) Ruff, and Robin Tackett. His in-laws are Carol Mayle, Goldie Host, Shirley Host, and Kathy McClurken.
His grandchildren: Laura Jeannean (Matthew) Bell, Nicholas Wayne (Ruth Fort) Gibson, Elizabeth Miller, Jay (Sandy) Telgenhof, Jerry (Linda) Coffman, Joshua Coffman, Ericka Coffman, Kaitlyn (Travis) Eicholtz, and Kyle Sterley. Great-grandchildren James Matthew Bell, Haven Miller, Patrick Miller, Sofia Guerrero, James Telgenhof, Sam Coffman, Jarrett Coffman, Morgan (Zack) McFall, Sara (Byron) Collins, Kierstin Mills, Addison Telgenhof, Parker Telgenhof, and Jayce Telgenhof. Great-great-grandchild Phoebe McFall and many nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by the love of his life of almost 49 years, Margery Host. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Howard, mother of Kentrina and Marsha, along with his parents, Roy and Genivia Host, Leo and Lydia Schwartz; son, Jerry Coffman Jr.; brothers, sisters, and in-laws, Garry Host, Leroy Host, Chuck Host, Bill (Terry) Mayle, Joann Vanderstelt, Joyce (Bruce) Hite, Jack Shively, Bill Bramer, and Doug McClurken.
An evening visitation will be held at Dykstra Funeral Home (Northwood Chapel) on Friday, May 23rd, from 5pm to 7 pm.
A memorial service will be held at Dykstra Funeral Home (Northwood Chapel) on Saturday, May 24th, at 11am, with a visitation held an hour before.
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