Kenneth W. Elhart, age 96, of Holland, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Freedom Village.
Ken was a long time member of First United Methodist Church of Holland and served on their Board of Directors and Finance Committee. He also was an Associate Member of the First United Methodist Church of Hobe Sound, Florida, where he volunteered in their Mission Store. Ken was the founder of Elhart Automotive Campus of Holland and served on the Dealer Advisory Board for Pontiac, GMC Truck, Dodge and Jeep. In addition, Ken served on the First Michigan Bank Board of Directors, was the Past President of the Holland Board of Public Works, Past Director of the Holland Chamber of Commerce, and served in the United States Coast Guard. He enjoyed boating, traveling, and golfing with his wife, Margaret.
Ken’s most treasured moments besides his business and community involvement were spent with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his many friends in Holland and in Florida.
Born on May 19, 1929 during the depression, Ken lived a life full of incredibly challenging and yet rewarding times. His unwavering faith as he puts it carried him through nearly ten decades. In Ken’s words shared with his Methodist Church in Hobe Sound, Florida 15 years ago, “I realize how truly blessed I am. In addition to good health, I am blessed with a wonderful wife, a loving family of children and grandchildren, and great friends. Oh yes, there have been rocky times during my lifetime but they have made me realize the importance of putting my trust and faith in God to help me through those difficult experiences. A statement that I carry with me is this:
In happy moments, praise God;
In difficult moments, seek God;
In painful moments, trust God;
And every moment, thank God.”
Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; son, Wayne Elhart; and sisters, Joann Vermetti and Clara Vander Laan.
Ken is survived by his:
Son
Jeffrey (Cherie) Elhart
Daughter-in-Law
Kathy Elhart
Step-sons
R. Michael (Helen) Redman
W. Scott (Kimberley) Redman
Grandchildren
Jacob (Danielle) Elhart
Benjamin (Allison) Elhart
Jasmine Redman
Mariah Redman
Colin Redman
Sean Redman
Great Grandchildren
Maeson Elhart
Avery Elhart
Malcom Elhart
Funeral services are planned for 11:00am Thursday, February 26, at First United Methodist Church, 57 W 10th St., Holland. Rev. Tania Dozeman will officiate. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for 3:00-6:00pm Wednesday, February 25, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne Elhart “be nice.” Memorial Fund c/o The Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland Area
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