Kenneth Burgen

Kenneth Dale Burgen, age 74, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 2, 2024, at his home in Croton, Michigan, with loved ones by his side. Kenny was born June 14, 1950, in Hopkins, MI. He was the 7th of 13 children born to the late, Robert and Dorothy Burgen (Jakobowski). Kenny was a West Sider and attended Union High School and later worked at American Seating with older brother, Chuck. Kenny moved to Croton, MI, to live off the land that his brother David had bought before passing away in the late 80's. Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Burgen and Dorothy Burgen/Laarman; 4 brothers, Charles “Chuck”, David, Ronnie and Raymond Burgen; and 3 sisters, Carol, Patricia and Linda Burgen. Kenny married Ruth Karwowski in the 70's and they had 4 children together, Michelle and Jaime of Kingsley, Michigan, and Ken Jr. and Jason of Croton, Michigan. He is further survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews whom Kenny has shared his fishing and hunting techniques with, as he was a great hunter. He will be missed by 3 brothers, Richard & Marcia Burgen of Comstock Park, Greg & Deb Burgen of Grand Rapids, and Mike Laarman of Clare, MI; 2 sisters, Debra & Glen Perkins of Croton and Shari & Cris Lara of Grand Rapids and of course Kenny’s long time fishing buddy, Johnny Mishler who Kenny nicknamed "Brink.” Kenny left Grand Rapids in the 90's to return to the woods in Croton, he wasn't one for traveling or big cities. Kenny was very content to live in the woods and sit around a fire, hunt the land, or be down by the river fishing. Some would say he was one with nature. He loved hunting a big buck or the feel of a big walleye on his pole. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for friends and family to come and share stories about Kenny, the unique outdoorsman, who lived off the land for over 30 years without any luxuries. He was at peace with his Lord and has now joined his loved ones in heaven that he had many memories with. We will miss Kenny, but will remember him and feel his presence when hunting or fishing. We hope there is a Happy Hunting ground in Heaven that he is at right now. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Kenny’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Burgen, please visit our flower store.