Kenneth Staley

Kenneth A. Staley,  97, of Charlevoix, passed away on June 9, 2020 at Charlevoix Munson Hospital.

Ken was born on October 15, 1922, in Charlevoix, the son of Arthur and Mildred (Smith) Staley.

He was a resident of Charlevoix his whole life.  Following high school graduation, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps where he served in World War II.  In 1950, he and his wife Arlene took over the family business on Antrim Street,  Staley Grocery and they ran it for many years retiring in 1983.  The building has been in the family for more than 100 years.

He was active in the community serving 3 years as Mayor,  City Council, Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), Charlevoix County Commissioner, Charlevoix County Veterans Affairs, Marine Corps League of Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, and the V.F.W.

Ken served in the Pacific during World War II where he saw active battle in various places such as Okinawa, Guadalcanal and China.  He was very proud of serving his country with the U.S.M.C.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially deer and bear.

On August 5, 1949, in Charlevoix, he married Arlene Hayden who survives.  Also surviving are 3 children, Donna (Dave) Heeres of Ellsworth, Marian (Gary) VanKoevering of Fremont,  Martha Staley of Grand Rapids, 5 grandchildren, Scott (Kristen) Heeres of Denver, CO, Carrie (Dan) Elzinga of Grand Rapids, Deb (John) Rozanski of Fremont, Monica (Dan) Weaver of Mentor, OH, Melisa (Chris) Schut of Byron Center, 9 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Emilia, Eliana Heeres of Denver, CO, Henry and Alexander Elzinga of Grand Rapids, Ashlee (Ted) Watson of Alto, MI, Ryan Stroven of Grand Rapids, Trae Siemasz of Cleveland, OH, Kaitlyn (Justin) VanderWoude of Hudsonville, MI, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, Jaxton and Cora Stroven and Edison Watson.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Audrey (Harvey) Hilliker, and Dorothy (Tony) Richards.

The family will receive friends Sunday, June 28th, from 2 to 6 pm at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Funeral services with Military Honors will be held Monday, June 29th, at 11 a.m. at the Shanahan's Barn, at Charlevoix Golf and Fitness, 9600 Club House Drive, Charlevoix, MI 49720 with a luncheon following. The family will also receive friends from 10 am until the time of service at the barn.   Please RSVP and let the family know you will be attending the funeral service and luncheon, call or text 231-588-7741.

Graveside services will take place Monday, June 29th at 4 pm at Brookside Cemetery.

Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Northern Michigan Marine Corps League #690, PO BOX 278, Petoskey, MI 49770.