Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Kenneth H. "Ken" VanEffen, 86, of Escanaba, was called to Heaven on Sunday July 8, 2018 at Christian Park Healthcare Center with his family by his side. He was born on August 13, 1931 in Escanaba, son of the late August and Lena (Hambeau) VanEffen. On November 6, 1954 he married the former Ella (Elly) Jean DeVet in Fayette, MI.
Ken served his country in the U.S. Army and is a Korean War Veteran. He was a member of St. Joseph & St. Patrick Parish, a lifelong member of the Escanaba Country Club. Ken worked for Mead Paper where he retired after 38 years.
He loved the game of golf and was very proud of his 3 holes-in-one, also working in his yard, a good game of cards, running the wood splitter at camp, but he especially loved time with his family, attending his grandchildren's different sporting events and taking his grandchildren on golf cart rides. He shared his birthday with his daughter Sheila. Ken will be remembered as a very compassionate and caring person by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, four children: Myron "Mike" (Mary) VanEffen, Tim (Cindy) VanEffen, Brennan (Beth Bender) VanEffen and Sheila VanEffen, grandchildren: Matt (Sarah) VanEffen, Mark VanEffen, Miranda (Randy) Derouin, Sara (Keith) Dorner, Lucas VanEffen, Amanda (Sam) Marenger, Brennan VanEffen, Mitch VanEffen, Kayli VanEffen, Danny VanEffen, Andy (Andria) Wellman, Heather (Ricky) Woodbury and Amber Wellman, fifteen great-grandchildren, two sisters: Carol (Midge) and Rita, as well as nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: August Jr., Harold, Ray and Gary and eight sisters: Millie, Leota, Margie, Mary Jane, Betty, Irene, Jackie and Suzie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday July 12, 2018 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick parish with Fr. Eric Olson officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Garden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either St. Joseph & St. Patrick Parish or St. Vincent De Paul.
The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the VanEffen family.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.
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"Dear wife and family of Ken. Our most sincere sympathy goes out to all of you on the loss of Ken. He will be dearly missed. Love to all of you."
-Francis William & Elizabeth Lancour -
"So many wonderful memories on South 9th street of Ken.A wonderful person and great friend. My dad always had fun at the Vaneffen house. "
-Marilyn Albrecht -
"MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY KEN WAS LIKE A SECOND FATHER TO ME ALL THRU HIGH SCHOOL AND LATER. HE WAS ONE OF THE FINEST PERSONS I HAVE MET. REST IN PEACE. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL YOU HAVE EVER MET IN LIFE. "
-JON WILES -
"Elly and family very sorry for your loss. Enjoyed getting to know Ken at the country club. First class gentleman, thoughts and prayers to your family."
-Paul Gayan -
"Brennan, Amanda and family condolences from the both of us on the passing of your father and grand father. I remember your father well from the days of your family and in high school sports and his great enthusiasm for the team and his children! Tom and Shirley DeRidder "
-Tom DeRidder -
"My Condolences goes out to the family. My working experience with Ken was wounder full. A very caring kind and funny gentleman. I and my wife agree He will sadly missed by all who knew him."
-Mark Peloza -
"Elly, Mike, Cindy and family, Mom and I are very sorry to hear about the passing of Ken. I hope you can find peace in knowing that he is now in a better place. Prayers to you all! "
-Tina Douglass and Gayla Louis -
"Mrs.VanEffen,Brennan and family, I am so sad to hear about Mr. VanEffen. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know my Mom and Dad would also like to send their sympathy. Elly, my Mom would give you a big hug if she could.We send you all our love during this difficult time."
-Kelly(Curran)Wright -
"Dear family of Ken, Our hearts go out to all of you during this sad time. Ken was a wonderful husband and a great father and grandfather... We know he will be missed by so many. Cherish your memories and GOD bless each and everyone of you..You are in our thoughts and prayers .RIP, DEAR KEN......... "
-John and Sue Pilon -
"Dear Aunt Ellie and family, I am sorry to hear about uncle Kens passing you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless"
-Julia Lancour (Robak) -
"Elly and family, Matt and I would like to say how sorry we are for your loss. Matt had great respect for Ken who kind of watched over him when he started on the number 4 coater! I've prayed for Ken and the family often over the last year's. May he rest in peace. May God hold you close today and every day to come. Good bless you Elly! "
-Barb Guindon -
"Dear Elly and Family, l was so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Please know my thought and prayers are with all of you. Ken will be missed by all who ever met him. May he Rest In Peace."
-Carole Oginski -
"As a former co-worker of Tim's, I am sad to hear about the loss of Ken. May you take comfort in your memories of him and in knowing he will be reuniting with family in heaven. Sincerely, John Hansel"
-John Hansel -
"While we never had the priviledge of meeting grandpa, we know he was an awesome guy. We’ve heard so many stories and love the traditions that he was part of creating for his family. His love is seen in his children and grandchildren- which is an awesome thing. God bless you all, prayers and love are being sent. Love, The Nahfs"
-Blake & Lyndsay Nahf -
"Elly and family, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all of you. You have been good friends of our parents for years, and are a dear part of our family. We know that the golf course in heaven will be busy. Hugs and Blessings to all of you!"
-Janet, Julie & Christy Lancour -
"Tim/Cindy and rest of family, May our lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences."
-Randy Knapton -
"We are so sorry to hear about your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers."
-Scott & Sue Kuehnl
