Kenneth Leroy Troyer of Comins, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday December 9th at home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Ken was born May 3rd, 1942, in Mio, Michigan to Roman and Lunette Troyer. He married his beloved bride, Joan White, on August 24th, 1963. They had three children, Lauri Troyer, Lynn (Rodd) Layman and Larry (Savanna) Troyer.
In the early 1960s, Ken left northern Michigan for the thriving city of Flint to begin a management career with JCPenney Company. The company, valuing his strong work ethic and success, transferred Ken, along with Joan and the children, to several Midwestern cities. The Troyers, in choosing stability for their young family, returned to the pleasant small-town life of Ken’s childhood in Oscoda County in 1976, making a home in Comins.
Ken worked twelve years for AuSable Valley Builders and entered retirement after spending nearly two decades as a local Mr. Fix-It at Fairview Hardware. He served more than thirty years as the Clinton Township Supervisor and was instrumental in rebuilding Comins after the devastating tornado of 1999.
A faithful congregant of Fairview Mennonite Church, Ken was an active member whose commitment to serving others led him to be involved in the missions outreach of the church, cutting firewood for the those in need, leading and volunteering at the Northern Michigan Relief Sale, and serving on many Mennonite Disaster Relief projects.
Ken’s servant leadership did not stop at the church doors, however. He was a vital part of the larger Northern Michigan community. He took pride in his town, serving as a board member for the Steiner Museum, building homes and accessibility ramps with Habitat for Humanity, planning field trips for and teaching children how to build bluebird houses as an active member of the Kirtland Warbler Audubon Society, and lovingly serving his neighbors in need each month at the local food bank.
An avid outdoorsman, Ken loved hunting and fishing with friends and appreciated time with Joan at their cabin on a small lake near Levering. His love for the outdoors was surpassed only by his love for his family, savoring Sundays at home surrounded by his grand- and great-grandchildren.
Ken is survived by his three children, his grandchildren, Deanna, Joseph, Brook, Katelyn, Tyler, Whitney, and Garrett; and his great-grandchildren Gradie, Duncan, Hattie, Lawson, Levi, and Beckett.
He is reunited in Heaven with his beautiful bride, Joanie; his parents; his brothers, Lloyd and Mel Troyer; his sister, Arlene Banks; and his dear friend, Boyd Kauffman.
The family would like to thank the Hospice team at Compassus for the generous and thoughtful care they provided both Ken and Joan, along with the support they gave the family. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers or cards, please donate in Ken’s name to: Compassus Hospice Angel Foundation, 3217 W M55, West Branch, MI, 48661. PH (989) 268-7720
Because Ken valued family and friends so very much, his family would appreciate all of Ken’s friends and loved ones spending time this Christmas season making memories and loving one another. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 at the Fairview Mennonite Church from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, with a service and luncheon to follow.
