Kenneth Dale Petry (June 17th, 1945 - March 10, 2025)

Ken passed away at his behest on March 10th, 2025, after battling multiple illnesses and repeated brushes with death over the past few years. His most beloved family members surrounded him as he slipped into a deep slumber, before the sweet release of death.

Ken was born in McKeesport, PA to Paul and Grace (Goodwin) Petry, as their third born son.  Eventually the family relocated to Fort Thomas, KY, and ultimately to Taylor, MI in the 1950s.  These moves gave Ken a particular accent that could showcase each location when speaking specific words.

Ken graduated Taylor Center High School in 1963 and attended the University of Michigan for a couple years before deciding to leave.  He met the love of his life, Donna, at a dance in Detroit.  They wed on January 15th, 1966.  Shortly thereafter, he was drafted to serve his country in the Army.  He was stationed in Vietnam for a couple years, during some of the deadliest times for US Soldiers, the Tet Offensive.  When he returned, Ken and Donna bought a simple house in Taylor where both would live for their remaining lives.  They had two daughters during the 1970s whom they adored.

Ken worked at Chrysler, in various roles and shifts, for 30 years.  He graciously retired at the age of 50 to enjoy life with his children and grandchildren and his two favorite sports, golf and basketball.

He was most proud of his involvement with the sports scene in the Taylor School District.  Ken volunteered as an elementary school basketball coach, at Eureka Heights and the Sixth Grade Academy at Brake, for over 25 years.  Ken assisted the Kennedy High School Basketball teams by keeping the score board and book for almost 20 years.  Many players, referees, and coaches across the Downriver area will fondly remember his never-ending supply of candy at the score tables.

After their oldest daughter lost her life to domestic violence, Ken and Donna dedicated their lives to raising three of her four children.  He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren profoundly, as they did him.

Ken was preceded in life by his parents; Donna, his wife; Cassandra, his oldest daughter; Joey, his grandson; and his three brothers, Richard, Wayne, and David.  He is survived by his daughter, Alyssa Ogren (Kevin); son-in-law, Michael Weston; grandchildren, Markia Petry, Kenneth Dale Stewart, Chyanne Weston, and Desmond and Cedric Ogren; great grandchildren, Wyatt, Keegan, Maya, and Nick Jr; among many other family members, including in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

There is no immediate funeral service.  The family will announce a celebration of life to help others share stories of Ken after they have had personal time to grieve their loss.