Kenneth Alan Whitten's Obituary
Kenneth Alan Whitten (BA), of Muskegon, MI passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Trinity Health Muskegon. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden passing, he was only 51 years old. Ken was born to Melvin Whitten III and Carol (Beck) Kruzona on May 30, 1972, in Paw Paw, MI.
Ken was a small business owner, owning and operating the oldest established tattoo shop in Muskegon for 30 years, Sky Images Tattooing. He poured his heart and soul into tattooing, beginning with his first tattoo at the age of 10, which led to him becoming an award-winning tattoo artist.
In addition to tattooing, Ken enjoyed building award-winning motorcycles, riding, and watching and attending hockey games. He was an avid Red Wings hockey fan. Everyone who knew Ken knew how special he was. He was full of stories and always knew how to make everyone laugh, and he definitely left his mark on much of the community.
Ken is survived by his wife, Meghan (Koning) Whitten; his parents, Melvin (Lucy) Whitten III, Carol (Mike) Kruzona; children, Kelli Whitten, Noah Tozer Sr., Autumn (Brett) Shine, Angel Whitten, Brook Whitten and Abraham Whitten; grandchildren, Aubrielle, Sofia, Meadow, Bentley, Noah Jr. Scarlett, Iisaiah, Leo, Mila and Forrest; sister, Shonda (Greg) Walski; nephews, Zakk Weinrick, Jarrett Prow and Evan Butler; step-siblings; Margarita De La Garza, Andres (Jamie) Garza, Carisa Garza, Manrick (Tenille) Garza, Adrian (Rachele) Garza and Michael Kruzona; along with many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Ken had countless friends and customers along with some of his very close friends, Steve “Big Foot” Lawrence, Jamie “Sportster Girl” Herlein, Steven “Throttle” Mazgalis and Joe “Mighty Joe” Posthumus. Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Etwah Beck, Virginia King and stepsister, Alissa (Garza) Hawk.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Ken will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 2, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services (6291 S. Harvey St.) with Chaplain Wesley Spyke officiating. VISITATION with the family will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday evening September 1, also at The Lee Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the family’s Go Fund Me page Kenneth “BA” Whitten. MEMORIES can be shared with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
How did Kenneth make you smile?