Ken was an elite athlete. He played baseball all through High School, which turned into a signing with the New York Giants. His professional baseball career was cut short when he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He served 2 years as an Airplane Mechanic in Germany. When he returned home, he began playing baseball again. He continued playing baseball until his early 70’s, when an Achilles injury ended his days of baseball.
Ken started playing hockey as a young boy on the Detroit River. Around the age of 32, he played semi-pro hockey as a goalie on the Detroit Firemen Team. During this time, he even got to share the ice with Gordie Howe. After hanging up his goalie mask, he began coaching teams, including all 3 of his sons, for many years. During these years, he coached a young Mike Modano, who later became a great NHL player.
Ken was an avid golfer with a huge love for the game. One memorable moment being when he achieved a hole in one on his wedding anniversary, which happens to be on Valentine’s Day. He played until 2018 when his Parkinson’s Disease made him retire his clubs. Even after his active years in sports, he continued to watch and support his favorite Detroit teams and U of M.
He was the President of the MCG Telesis Foundation, volunteering his time and expertise to raise funds for Mount Clemens General Hospital.
Ken received many top awards and achievements throughout his professional career as a Financial Advisor and Insurance Agent.
Ken was a sharp dresser, who kept Anton’s clothing store in business for years.
Ken loved to tease. He could serve up a one-liner with the best of them.
Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved spending time with his family. He had a great love for all animals, especially his beloved dogs: Tiffany, Jake, and Lovey.
Ken is survived by his beautiful loving wife of 72 years, Barbara Stire; his 3 children: Ken Jr. (Shannon), Larry (Mary), Julie (Doug Hedges), and daughter-in-law, Karen; his 8 grandchildren: Jennifer, Jeffrey, Zachary, Troy, Travis, Kandace, Amanda, and Nicole; and 6 great grandchildren.
Ken is preceded in death by Robert Dean Stire, his beloved son.
A visitation will be held at Kaul Funeral Home, located at 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, Michigan, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service for Ken will take place Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11am, with an instate at 10am, at St Luke Lutheran Church, located at 21400 S Nunneley Rd, Clinton Township, MI.
Kenneth will be laid to rest at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Clinton Township following the services.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation or St. Luke Lutheran Church in memory of Kenneth M. Stire Sr.
