Kenneth G. Garrett

          Kenneth G. Garrett, age 79, of Munising died Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at UPHS – Marquette following a brief illness.  He was born on August 19, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Robert and Ruth (Chaundy) Garrett. Ken graduated from Redford Union High School in Detroit in 1963.

          Ken had many interests and jobs.  He worked as a tool and die maker in the automotive and aviation industries and had many other jobs.  His work took him from the oil fields in Alaska, to Florida, and the U.P.  In 1998 while in Traverse City, he met Joan Stahlecker through a mutual friend.  They were married on August 16, 2008.  Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycles, and snowmobiling.  He had a passion for cars and did a lot of not so legal racing in his younger years.  Ken had a huge heart, good sense of humor, and was a great storyteller.  He was opinionated and stubborn at times; but at the heart of it all, all he wanted was a laugh.  His love and devotion to family and friends always shone through.   Everyone who met Ken was impressed by his deep voice and jealous of his beautiful white hair.  One of his favorite memories was his multistate trip he and Joan took out west.  Ken would often recall to Joan about how glad he was that he took the epic 20 plus mile overnight hike into Havasu Falls in Arizona.  Ken was fiercely loyal and loved his girls, he was a great mentor to so many friends and family. 

          He is survived by his wife – Joan Garrett; daughters – Karri (Clark) Seger and Kimberly (Terry) Fineout; sister – Carole Crete; nieces – Terri Crete, Tekla Stahlecker, Breanna (Dave) Thomas, and Chantelle (Joe Williams) Maynard; nephews – Robert (Ann) Crete and Robert (Stacy) Garrett; numerous great nieces and great nephews; mother-in-law – Janice Belen; brother-in-law – Karl (Tracy) Stahlecker; and sister-in-law – Brenda (Phil) Eichhorn, and special girl – Miah.  Ken was preceded in death by his parents – Robert and Ruth Garrett; grandmother – Carrie Chaundy; brother-in-law – John Crete; grandson – Zachary Szabo; brother – Robert Garrett; and beloved dog Cody Ryan.

          Ken’s family would like to give a special shoutout to his nephew Bob and great friend Terry.  Also, a sincere thank you to Alger EMS, the local police, the caring staff at UPHS – Marquette (especially John and Zach, you guys rock!), Beacon House, the Moose Lodge family, Bowerman Funeral Home, and the many unmentioned but not forgotten people who have given so much care and love during this difficult time. 

          A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later date. 

“Thief”

Death came for you like a thief in the night.

He stole your heart, and in the process broke mine…