Kenneth Edward Maly

It is with heavy hearts, and deep gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Kenneth Edward Maly, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Surrounded by loved ones, Ken was called home peacefully on September 25, 2026, at the age of 84. To know Ken was to know a good story, a hearty laugh, and a dear friend.

Ken was born on January 2, 1942, to Anthony and Louise (Kruettli) Maly in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised alongside his two brothers, Ralph and Roy, and sister, Arlene. His family attended St. Bridget Catholic Church, laying the foundation for lifelong faith.

Ken graduated from Detroit Cathedral High School in 1959. He continued his education at Lawrence Institute of Technology, launching his career as a Metal Model Maker in the automotive industry. He worked for Ford, General Motors, and AM General, where he took great pride in his contributions to many important projects, including the development of our military’s Hummer. Ken’s strong work ethic, attention to detail, and personable nature culminated with a career shift into sales, where he worked with tool and die manufacturers serving the automotive metal stamping industry.

Ken met his beloved wife, Sharon (Lawson), at Detroit’s Big Boy drive-in, an encounter that led to a devoted marriage of nearly 66 years. They wed in Detroit on November 19, 1960, at Precious Blood Catholic Church, and were soon blessed with five wonderful children and a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

Ken was a proud father and fierce protector who showed up, rain or shine. Ken's sons fondly recall hunting trips with their dad, working on cars together, and his investment in coaching baseball teams. Summers up north with Grandpa brought boat rides, ice cream, and berry picking so Grandma could bake a pie. He loved a good game of euchre, cornhole, bocce, or Scrabble, where his creative spelling suggested the dictionary was optional. His family will especially miss the goofy “pointed lip” grin he could never quite hide after landing a good joke.

In retirement, Ken and Sharon pursued many endeavors as entrepreneurs, from joining into business with their children at Mackinaw’s Great Lakes Teddy Bear Factory, to personalized Christmas ornaments, and bringing ice cream back to Lewiston by opening The Sawmill at the old Bob’s Corner. The shops became gathering places for the family, with many grandchildren working alongside them. Anyone surprised that a man so tough on the outside would spend his days surrounded by teddy bears and ice cream didn't know him well; at heart, nothing delighted him more than making others smile.

Ken never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone—and usually did. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club, embodying a spirit of community service and fellowship. Animals always held a special place in Ken's heart, and his devoted dog Annie was a constant source of comfort and companionship, faithfully at his side until the very end.

Ken has gone home, but what he built here will endure for generations. He leaves a family shaped by his love, guided by his example, and forever grateful for the years they shared. Ken is survived by his cherished wife, Sharon; children, Ken (Wendy) of Fenton, Julie Marcotte (Marty Klapec) of Lewiston, Eric (Sylvia) of Traverse City, Timothy (Rebecca) of Fenton, and son-in-law Terry Baumer (Katherine) of Lewiston; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; his brother, Roy Maly and many nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Katherine Anne Baumer; brother, Ralph Maly, and sister, Arlene Dudgeon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:30 PM, on Monday, October 5, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Lewiston, Michigan. The family will receive visitors starting at 12:30 PM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hospiceofmichigan

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