Kenneth Freeland

Heaven gained an angel on December 6, 2014 while the family of Kenneth Everett Freeland lost a darling Daddy and Poppie. Ken was born on February 12, 1929 in Battle Creek, MI. He survived a tumultuous childhood and graduated from W.K. Kellogg Agriculture High School in Hickory Corners, MI in 1947. During his high school years he played both basketball and football, and had parts in several plays. Ken's alma mater was very important to him. Ken was president of the alumni association for several years and was instrumental in not only establishing a scholarship fund, but in campaigning for school millage funding and establishing a showcase for high school memorabilia. Ken was a faithful attendee of the annual Kellogg reunions.

Ken found his soul mate in Polly Beatty, who he married and became a wonderful father to her three lucky daughters, and together they added a son. He nursed her through health issues in her later years until her death on June 28, 2008, and then again spent countless hours at the bedside of his daughter Candace R. Young as she battled cancer. He was with her as she slipped away to Heaven on September 5, 2008. Ken's other children include Rebecca S. (Andy) Zoll of Bellville, OH, Stacey J. (Tim) Clancy of Richland, MI, Kenneth "Chip" Freeland of Bellville, OH, Sandy Freeland Kellay, Dennis (Barb) Freeland, and Tracey Freeland. Ken had many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. He helped coach some of his children and grandchildren in their various sports and was a faithful follower and supporter, rarely missing one of their events. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Jean McNeal of West Unity, OH and Lynda (Don) Piotrowicz of Lansing, MI; brother-in-law, Harvey "Chuck" Beatty of Augusta, MI; son-in-law, William Young of Green Springs, OH; numerous nieces and nephews; and a dear and lifelong family friend, Marva Simpson of Kalamazoo, MI.

Ken spent most of his life in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo area. He worked with the Battle Creek Township Police for a few years, and then switched to his profession as a gifted salesperson. He was proud of his achievements with Sheriff-Goslin Roofing Company. He was a branch manager in Ft. Wayne, IN from 1964 to 1968, and then returned to Battle Creek to be closer to family. He was among the top 10 salesman for several years, and in 1974 joined the million dollar sales club. He also worked in sales with Sears and Abode Building before retiring in 2008.

Ken was an avid bowler for many years and he and Polly enjoyed bowling on couples leagues and often cheered each other on when they bowled on their own teams. They enjoyed traveling to tournaments together. Ken also loved to golf, and for several years had a summer job at Gull Lake View Golf Course, enjoying the perks of discounted play!. In more recent years he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son-in-law, Andy after moving to their home in Ohio in 2009.

To his family, he was ALWAYS available to lend a hand, and helped his children with many building projects. He was a jack-of-all trades and a go-to person for any question about construction of fixing something. He loved to read until his eyesight gave him problems. He loved his dogs, most recently Piper, and was heartbroken when he lost a dog, including Pebbles and Peachie.

While our family is heartbroken, we know that Dad is enjoying a reunion with his beloved Polly and daughter, Candy. He will be forever missed, until we meet again.

A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date. Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Ken Freeland.