Kenneth Arthur U’Ren
Kenneth Arthur U’Ren (aka Bill U’Ren), originally from Fowlerville, passed away at age 89 on Saturday, August 24 where he resided at the Willows of East Lansing. He was born on February 19, 1930 in Lansing, Michigan to Ken Sr. and Viola (Ketchum) U’Ren. Ken grew up around Holt, Michigan until his family moved to Fowlerville in the 1940s. Ken and Ken Sr. opened up Fowlerville Sheet Metal Shop. They fabricated metal ductwork and vents. They also serviced heating systems. The business served parts of Livingston and Ingham counties. Ken operated the business until he semi-retired in December 1992. After selling the business, Ken went to work part-time at the Fowlerville IGA. When that was sold, he went to work at VG’s in Howell. Ken worked until his health told him it was time to fully retire.
Ken married Ruth Line on April 27, 1957 and they resided in Fowlerville. During the 1960s, Ken drove school bus for Fowlerville Public Schools part-time to supplement their income. He also served as a reserve in the National Guard for a short time. Ken was a volunteer for the Fowlerville Fire Department for many years. He helped Ken Sr. train Golden Glove boxers in Livingston County. In the later years of owning the business, Ken and Ruth ran Ken Stag in the front of the business. It was a card room where numerous people came to gather, share stories and play cards. The most popular game was pinochle.
Ken was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Ruth (March 22, 2018); his parents, Ken Sr. and Viola; his sister Dora; brother Gary; and daughter Debra Kay. Ken is survived by his daughter Anna (Ron) Carter; son Brian (Mary) U’Ren; son Chuck U’Ren; grandchildren Joshua, Rachael (Dan), Jason (Brittany), Brittany (PR), Jordan (Molly), Brianna, Jacob, Matthew (Amanda), Ryan, Caitlyn (Adam); sister Sharon (Dan) Roberts; sister-in-law Marilla (Jack) Breraton; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews and cousins.
When living in Fowlerville, Ken loved helping and serving with the Fowlerville United Methodist men’s group. He also attended and helped out at the Fowlerville Senior Citizen’s Center. When Ken and Ruth moved to the Willows, they served as Welcome Ambassadors by taking packets to new residents, welcoming them and explaining the weekly events at the Willows. Ken and Ruth were both avid card players, loved bingo and being together. Ken was a practical joker and loved to tell stories as well.
He loved to attend family events or gatherings and to fish. Ken always made sure the family had a week vacation each year at McKane Lake. Some of our best family memories and gatherings were there at the lake. Ken made sure to make it memorable.
Ken’s greatest joys were his wife, his grown kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, as well as his Lord and Savior. He relished the times we gathered together.
On September 13 at 12:30 there will be a Celebration of Life at the Fowlerville Senior Citizen’s Center for Ken (Bill) U’Ren. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s name can be made to hospice care and would be appreciated.
Elara Caring
3100-B West Road, Suite 110
East Lansing, MI 48823
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