Ken passed away Friday, April 30, 2021 in Otsego.
He was born November 29, 1943 in Plainwell, the son of Charles and Mildred (Ward) Morrell. Ken proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. For many years he was the sexton at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego until his retirement. In his spare time he enjoyed camping, farming and working on old cars. On August 22, 2009 in Martin he married Esther Sweeney who survives.
Also surviving are his step-daughter, Debi (Jeff) Steele, daughter, Shari Madagame; step-sons, Brian Boettcher, John (Christy) Foote and Michael (Audrey) Foote; grandchildren, Drew Ostby, Amber Malbouef, Andrea Hublick, Kenneth (Gwen) Wolthuis, Jacob McCaffrey, Dakota Oatman, Natasha Hoogerhyde and Matt Hoogerhyde; several great-grandchildren, Kylee Smith, Ashlee Harper, Aaron Harper, Madison Curry, Abigail Curry, Wesley Wolthuis, Jaxon Wolthuis, Wyatt Ostby, Riley Ostby and Devin, Ravin and Noah Saldana; 14 step-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; Rick Counterman and Glenda Pillars who were like his children along with several nieces and nephews, including special nephew, Tom.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Chuck Morrell; daughter, Diane Malbouef; step-son, Bruce Boettcher; step-daughter, June Foust and by his brother, David Morrell.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
A private family memorial will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, May 16, 2021 a the family farm.
Contributions in memory of Ken may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Rodney @diane evink
So sorry for your loss.
Shari Morrell
I love u dad go be with ur children theyre waiting (Diane Morrell ,Chuckie Morrell ) like u said there will be a next time
Eric
We are so sorry for your loss. Ken was a great guy and great friend to my brother Rick.
Eric and Tammi Counterman
Angela Reed
Prayers to the family. What a most amazing man I feel honored to of known him. Heaven gained the most caring, giving man I’ve ever known. R.I.P Ken just know you will be greatly missed by many.
Steven L Laws
Esther and family, I’m so sorry for our lose. I enjoyed talking with him and the times we picked on each other.thank you my friend for all the amazing memories of talking farming the military experiences we talked about and giving me someone to talk with on all the cruises while the girls shopped. I’ll miss you greatly Ken you were an amazing kind and generous man..when we leave this earth we only can hope we leave a mark in this world. Rest assured my friend you left a large one. I’ll miss you.
Warren & Lil Overton
Ken was an amazing person who was always willing to help anyone.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Esther and the entire family.
He will definitely be missed by his Schnabel Lake “family”
sherry harrison Baughman
Shari & family Sorry for your loss Remember all the special times you had with him let them be your guide to get you through the tough days ahead . I remember him well hanging around the Hall family’s The Bean Family’s
Amy Lynn Schultz
Uncle Ken, I still can’t believe I am writing a tribute condolence because of your passing. Words cannot describe this difficult moment, but if this is the last time I get to say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself blessed to have lived this life as your niece.
You touched so many lives by your selfless and countless acts of kindness, always giving and never expecting any favors in return.
Uncle Ken, you were and will always be an inspiration to myself, the entire family and anyone who knew you. You have left a void in the family that will never be filled.
While we mourn, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on earth have been fulfilled. We thank the Lord for your life and bid you farewell until we meet again. The Bible says in everything give thanks, and I am indeed full of thanksgiving for the privilege of having had you in my life. You are INIMITABLE and IRREPLACEABLE. We love you but God loves you more and I know that he has you resting comfortably in his everlasting arms. Rest Well Uncle Ken. Rest in Perfect Peace. But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again. I Love You Uncle Ken, I will forever miss you!
Your Niece,
Amy
Patty Johnson
Roy, Patty and Aaron Johnson are sad to hear of Ken’s passing. Ken was a great guy. We will pray for you Esther and your relatives.
Terri L Pillars
Shari, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m here for you if you need me. Love you girl.
Fritz & Karen Barr
Our friendship has been for many years and we are saddened by the loss of Ken. Our condolences to Esther and the family.
Shari Morrell
Love u daddy we allways have the stars
Vince & Linda Papa
So very sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. Such a sweet, gentle man. Enjoyed visiting with him at the campground on many occasions He will be shortly missed!!
We will be out of state at time of the services. Sending or love to all!
John Laws and Family
Ken was a friend of the family for many years and Brother-In-Law until his wife Barb (my sister) passed. He remained a part of the family. Rest In Peace our friend.
Sabrina Eddy
Rest In Peace uncle Ken, though you will be greatly missed I know your reunited with your wife Barb, your sons and your daughter. Love you so much!
-Great niece Sabrina
Angela Schultz
Uncle Ken I’m lost at words.. You will always bring smiles to our faces when we tell your stories. Love you…
Your niece Angel
Andrea Hublick
Grandpa,
As your birthday has come up, I’ve never been so at a loss that you are not here anymore. Understandably, it is your time to be with mom and Uncle Chucky- We have had such a great honor to have you , but your spirit is now belongs with your angels in heaven.
God has graced every one of us that has had a chance to cross your path, you have left a life impact on everyone, from your laugh, to your knowledge and absolute grace for the world.
Its hard to fathom living in a world without you, how honored to be a part of your blood and spirit. There are people in this world that leave a foot print in the soul of others and you grandpa have left the biggest one of all.
Thank you for being my grandpa, thank you for being the subconscious in my heart and soul. Thank you for being you! My heart will never be the same but when God calls on me I know that I will be safe and you’ll be standing there with Mom and Uncle Chucky with the warmest welcome home.