Kenneth J. Bratherton's Obituary
Mr. Kenneth J. Bratherton, age 62, passed away May 29, 2010 at home surrounded by his family and friends. He was born in 1947 in Detroit, MI to James and Martha (Raak) Bratherton, and resided in the Muskegon area most of his life. He was a teacher for 30 years in Muskegon Public Schools, teaching at Bunker, Nelson and Steel School before retiring in 1999. Ken was a member of the Mona Lake Boat Club. He took pride in his athletic ability, especially playing on the undefeated Class A football team for Franklin High School in Livonia, Michigan, and earning a scholarship to pitch at Western Michigan University. While at WMU, he made Mid-American Conference First Team as a pitcher in 1968, and finished his college career with one of the lowest earned run average’s in WMU school history and still holds the record today! Baseball was a huge part of Ken’s life and has the accomplishment of getting invited to the Detroit Tiger’s farm team after his college career. Ken loved golfing, fishing, traveling, and woodworking. After retirement, he was extremely happy to help friends and family with building and renovation projects. Ken’s spirit will live on in the many projects he crafted. Through these last weeks of sickness, Ken displayed his Finnish “sisu” as he fought his cancer. On February 10, 2005 he married the former Mary Larsen, and she survives him along with his daughter, Kendra Ward of Astoria, OR, step-children, Stephanie (Ryan) Wright of Flossmoor, IL, Rebecca Larsen of Northville, MI, Leslie (Jack) Keller of Brighton, MI, Andrew McKeown and Adam McKeown both of East Lansing; 8 grandchildren, Sofia and Sadie Ward, Griffin and Alex Wright, Eleanor McBride, and Jack, Owen and Will Keller; mother, Martha Bratherton; brother, Mike (Barbara) Bratherton of Schoolcraft, MI., niece, Erica (Bratherton) Isham and great niece Ava Isham of Marshall, MI.; and former wife, Linda (Pitcher) Bratherton-Lowe of Friendswood, TX. Ken was preceded in death by his son, Kirt and father, James Bratherton. Ken and his family were supported by a multitude of friends and family. Ken was a man that loved with his whole heart ! A time of gathering and celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 11a.m. on Sunday June, 6th at the Mona Lake Boat Club (372 Randall Rd.). In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Ken’s name may be given to your local hospice, or Harbor Hospice in Muskegon. Share memories with the family on their Online Guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100.
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