Kenneth "Kenny" YoungeDyke

Kenneth “Kenny” YoungeDyke, 69, of Central Lake, passed away Saturday, April 1, 2023, at his home.  Kenny was born June 6, 1953. 

Kenny worked as a farmhand and a handyman throughout Central Lake for most of his life.  He was adept at fixing small engines and creative in building and rebuilding equipment, especially his prized 1947 Oliver 60 tractor, which he would often drive in the annual Central Lake 4^th of July Parade.

He was a fixture in the communities of Central Lake and Ellsworth, rarely missing an opportunity to share his smile and a breakfast or meal with friends at a diner, happy hour, or a deer camp.  Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, he was fiercely independent, never complained, and thought first of the needs of others.  He is remembered as a sweet, selfless man with a vibrant sense of humor who delighted in making children happy.

Kenny was preceded in death by his mom Arlene Mary (Knowles) YoungeDyke Brinkman – with whom he shared a special bond – in 2009, his father Robert Darrell YoungeDyke in 1981, and infant brother Robert D. YoungeDyke, Jr.  He is survived by siblings Kathy Youmans, Dennis (Diane) YoungeDyke, and Karen (Al) Gredlein, nephews and nieces Steve (Cheri) Youmans, Brian (Leslie) Youmans, Scott (Kara) Youmans, Drew (Michele Matouka) YoungeDyke, Kellen (Valerie) YoungeDyke, Geoffrey (Amy) Veliquette, Justin (Ryleigh) Veliquette, and Gabrielle (Aaron) Hill, numerous great-nephews and great-nieces, and many friends who loved him.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 7, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home. 

For those unable to attend Kenny's funeral in person, please use the link below to watch the livestream on ZOOM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2314346202?pwd=UzI1eEFmeHVZaDFPZ1RqUXVSS21zUT09

Meeting ID: 231 434 6202
Passcode: hello

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kenny’s name can be made to Front Porch Ministries in Ellsworth – where Kenny enjoyed sharing breakfast with friends – at www.frontporchministries.org or P.O. Box 37, Ellsworth, MI 49729, or to the Central Lake Historical Society, located at the Knowles House (Kenny’s grandparents), P.O. Box 404, Central Lake, MI 49622. 

Arrangements are under the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com