Kenneth Lee Izenbart

Kenneth Lee Izenbart, age 90 of North Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away in the comfort of his home on the morning of Tuesday, November 8, 2022, and rests now in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ken was a remarkable human being who led an extraordinary life; an adoring grandfather, generous friend, and loving stranger, he was a master at spreading his warmth and optimism to everyone who met him.

Ken, more affectionately known as Grandpa Ken, was born on March 25, 1932, to Harry and Wilmena (Voss) Izenbart on their farm in North Park, where he grew up tossing chickens off the roof of their coop and once hid a goat with his sister that they had hoped to keep. After Ken graduated from Creston High School in 1950, he joined the U.S. military to avoid the draft, given that he was opposed to violence and fighting in the war. His memories of his time stationed between Eritrea and Ethiopia were among his fondest, as he frequently spoke of his admiration for the culture and history he was fortunate enough to experience there. Ken also talked passionately about his time spent in Bangkok, Thailand, and Bombay (now known as Mumbai), India. Upon returning to the U.S., he studied landscape architecture and design with a minor in history at Michigan State University. Uncertain of what he wanted, he escaped to New York City for a year, where he attended Episcopal churches, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and Christ Church, enjoyed weekends at the Derby on Long Island, and worked for a stock trading firm on Madison Avenue.

After deviating from his original path, he graduated from the Michigan State University College of Education. Ken interweaved his love for art with his career in education, teaching as a middle school art teacher for Kentwood Public Schools. Outside the classroom, Ken delved into the world of the arts, experimenting with various mediums, watercolor especially, and frequently putting on and attending art shows. His family and friends will remember him especially for his love of abstractionism, Frank Lloyd Wright, academic literature, grand churches with stained glass, the Grand Rapids Symphony, and various forms of music.

On March 3, 1965, Ken married his beautiful wife, Sarah Nieves Castaño of Havana, Cuba, whom he met at an in-home Bible study. The two spent their years alone, creating playful memories and traveling cross-country, especially to Washington state, where Sarah’s family eventually settled. There, they fell in love with Mount Rainier and the surrounding nature. The moments he treasured most were those in Seattle conversing with his father-in-law about the intricacies of life and the Bible. Eventually, Ken and Sarah went on to have four wonderful children, Billy, Jonathan David, Elizabeth Jane, and Ruth Anne.

Ken eventually retired from work to care for his wife, Sarah, in her last years and spent more time traveling. After the death of his wife, he was blessed with his first grandchild, taking on the role of "Grandpa." His grandchildren became the center of his world, and he became the center of theirs. Ken enjoyed teaching his grandchildren about gardening and the arts, recounting his travels, sharing stories of his childhood, taking them to his favorite restaurants, giving tours of West Michigan, and supporting them in their academic and athletic endeavors. He especially enjoyed watching his eldest granddaughter learn to play the violin and attend her concerts and taking his grandchildren to the DeVos Performance Hall to attend symphonies, operas, and ballets with him. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and supported them throughout their lives. Ken felt very honored to meet his great-granddaughter Magnolia, born in 2021 to his granddaughter, Brishene.

In the last years of his time here on Earth, Ken’s family and friends came together to care for him inside his home. After suffering from a grand mal seizure and mini-strokes, his loved ones decided it would be best for Ken to remain under near-continuous supervision. During the early days of his care, nephew, Tim Gunnet and his wife, functioned as custodians of his home, followed by his son-in-law and great friend, Jose Palma. Eventually, Ken and his granddaughter, Sarah, provided mutual care to one another for a few years. During their time together, often in the company of Luke Metz and/or his daughter, Elizabeth, the kindred spirits bonded over their love of the arts, skepticism, mini adventures to the library, walking to shops nearby, and dissecting sermons on Sundays at Immanuel Reformed Church.

Finally, Ken joined his daughter Ruth in Newaygo, Michigan, where they lived in separate homes on a shared farm. Under her care, Ken reached a beautiful state of contentment and happiness, made evident by his large grin, blushing cheeks, and squinting eyes. Surrounded again by chickens and goats, as well as his two dogs, Berry and Lilly, Ken committed to living for his Lord and Savior. With Ruth and company, he celebrated the “Lord’s Day," often in the “Lord’s Garden," where they learned about the wonders of God, and his everlasting love, to an extent that he had never done so before. Vanessa, whom he declared his adopted daughter, joined them on the farm throughout the years and provided him with invaluable companionship in his home, guidance in his spiritual journey with the Lord, and attentive care. On a typical day, one could find Ken lying on his couch, reading nonfiction books, classic novels, or newspapers/magazines if he was not listening to the news from his choice stations or music played from his favorite radio. This past year, Ken had a blast riding on four-wheelers, taking it easy in a tandem kayak, holding baby goats, and spending time with Magnolia on the farm. Ken is preceded in death by his wife, Sarah; infant daughter, Billy; parents Harry and Wilmena Izenbart; sister, Maxine Lois Bogerd; brothers- and sisters-in-law Ernest Trompen, Jim Bogerd, Joanne Izenbart, and Phil Hendrickson; parents-in-law The Reverend Dr. Cleofas Castaño and Blanca Nieves.

Ken is survived by loving children Jonathan (Amalia) Izenbart, Elizabeth Izenbart, and Ruth (Jose) Palma; adopted daughter, Vanessa González; treasured grandchildren Sarah Elizabeth, Christian Leeanne, Brishene Hope, Jack, and Alaina Faye; sole great-granddaughter, Magnolia Liahna Ruth; adopted grandchildren Elijah, Rebecca, and David (Kelly); sisters Dolores “Dodo” Trompen and Shirley (Don) Gunnet; brother, Larry Izenbart; beloved brother-in-law, Manuel Castaño; sister-in-law, Ruth Hendrickson; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; other adored members of the Castaño family including Anthony, Sarah, and Alexander; other dear members of the Palma family including Jehu (Anna), Abisue (Paula), Leo, Dominique, Faith, and Christian; other beloved members of the Rysdyk, TenHave, Menninga, Metz, and González families; and so many other valued friends, including his many caretakers.

The family gives special thanks to caretaker, Debby, and family friends Luke and Dan for their helping hands and incredible companionship; Croton neighbors for their kindness and assistance; Reverend Hilda González and mentor, Willie for their spiritual guidance; dear friend, Johan VanderTol for his devotion to their friendship since 1973; and cherished son-in-law, Jose, for his sincerity, shared affection for music and the Lord, and for his irreplaceable camaraderie.

There will be a time of visitation from 12-2 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will commence immediately following at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Tim will officiate. Ken will be laid to rest with Sarah and daughter, Billy, at Rest Lawn Memorial Park. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.