Kenneth E. Shanafelt

For anyone who knew Kenneth Shanafelt, it was plain to see that his grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He was quite the jokester with a unique sense of humor who loved sharing his laughter with the world around him. Ken made the most of the days he was given, even when life was not always easy for him. He was a compassionate man with a tender heart who was always looking for special ways to brighten the days of those around him. Ken was creative, hard-working, and a bargain shopper, but it will be his great strength and integrity for which he will be remembered most. During a year in which Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th states, the first seven astronauts were selected as the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union was underway, and Frank Sinatra topped the music charts, 1959 was a year to remember. This was a year of great celebration in the family of Orville and Joyce (Mitchell) Shanafelt since it was on December 17th that they welcomed the birth of their son, Kenneth. Ken, as he was most often called, was born in Muskegon, Michigan, as the first of three boys in his family, which included brothers Keith and Terry. His father worked as a millwright at Cannon Muskegon while his mother was a homemaker. The Shanafelt family lived in Muskegon Heights and then for a short time in California. Finally, the family returned to Michigan where they initially settled in Ravenna and then later moved to the Lakeside area of Muskegon. Ken received his education first at Updike School in Ravenna and then at Bunker Junior High School in Lakeside where he ran track. He went on to graduate from Muskegon High School. A whole new world opened up for Ken when he got his first pair of glasses as no one had any idea how bad his eyesight really was. It was also as a young man that Ken began developing a strong work ethic. His first job was at Burger Chef as a high school student and then later at Russ Restaurant. Ken also got his first taste of true freedom when he got his first car, a Ford Falcon when he was 16 or 17 years old. Over the next few years, life took Ken down a few different paths. After working at Russ, Ken worked at Nugent Sand Company until he went into the Marine Corp. Ken was stationed first in California and then in Okinawa, Japan, where he worked in communications. He was a driver for officers as well. Altogether, Ken was in the military for four years. When he was once again a civilian, great changes were in store for Ken. He returned home to Muskegon and worked at the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon before taking a job at Bilmar Foods in Holland. It was his work there that would set the stage for the introduction to the woman with whom he would share the rest of his life. Her name was Sharon (Arcioni) Ross, and they took breaks together. What began as friendship blossomed into something deeper. After dating for one year, Ken and Sharon were married on August 18, 1990 in Muskegon. The newlyweds enjoyed a memorable honeymoon in Ontario, Canada. One evening, they went out for a special dinner of shrimp and steak, but when the shrimp arrived with eyes glaring and showing some signs of movement, Ken had to send it back and just settle for the steak! To their marriage, Sharon brought her daughter Erica and son Logan from a previous marriage and together, Ken and Sharon were blessed with their son Haydn who was born on Sharons birthday. Over the years that followed, there were both peaks and valleys along Kens journey. The house their family was living in burned down in 1994 so they moved to Allendale. Ken began suffering from health challenges when he suffered his first heart attack when he was just 37 years old, undergoing open heart surgery. Over time, heart disease and its related issues left him unable to work any longer. Ken maintained his positive attitude and continued to delight in his family. Nothing could have thrilled him more than when his grandson Landyn was born and later, his granddaughter Caydence. Ken fully supported his son in his football, as well as his grandchildren in their sporting events. He was dealt three devastating losses within a short period of time with the death of his mother in 2001, followed by his father in 2002, and then his brother, Keith, in 2007. Although deeply saddened, life continued on for Ken while he treasured the moments he was given to share with those he cherished. There were many things that made Ken such a unique man. Everyone knew he loved his coffee, and eating out as often as he could. Ken loved to cook himself and gained some inspiration from Food Network, especially the show Iron Chef America. He loved to draw, especially during his younger years, and when it came to reading, Ken usually enjoyed science fiction books, specifically Star Trek books. He was known for his sense of humor and was quite quick on the draw with his jokes, too. In fact, Ken loved to laugh and often read his favorite comic strip, The Far Side. He was a savvy shopper and often fought the crowds on Black Friday in order to get the really great deals. With a deep love for those around him, Kenneth Shanafelt was a remarkable man who was dearly loved. He worked hard until his health no longer allowed, yet he always found time to enjoy the things he treasured. Ken always went out of his way to make everything special and in doing so, he touched the hearts of many within his reach. He was completely devoted to his beloved family with whom he created countless memories that will be forever cherished. Kenneth E. Shanafelt died Wednesday, March 3, 2010. Kens family includes his wife, Sharon; son, Haydn Shanafelt; daughter, Erica Ross; son, Logan Ross all of Muskegon; grandchildren, Landyn and Caydence; brother, Terry (Shelley) Shanafelt of Holland. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother Keith. A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 8, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Fr. Phil Sliwinski officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.