Kenneth David Van Hese

concrete mason and artist of the aesthetics of lines and corners and pitch, and making all things

beautiful. Ken was a master of his own hands. He was a master craftsman. He felt deep pride in

everything that was his craft, his art. He took pleasure in the sight of his work in the landscape.

Ken began his career as a front loader operator. He moved on to become a master cement

finisher. He started and operated his own company. Later, he joined a masonry union and

practiced his craft on projects such as the Detroit River Walk, Comerica Park and a beautiful

brick garden walkway at O. W. Holmes Elementary School on his own time. Ken’s son, Kenny,

was instrumental in the O. W. Holmes project. They worked together, father and son, to create

a small slice of beauty on the planet. After retirement, Ken continued to ply his craft in the

neighborhood, helping neighbors with small projects.

Ken was never more comfortable and in his favorite element than when he was spending

time with his children, and the family dog, Jack. Jack was a big and beautiful slobbering chocolate lab

who died just before Ken. We like to believe that Jack led the way to heaven for Ken. Ken reveled in his

son Kenny’s childhood careers in baseball and hockey and likewise, his daughter Anna’s childhood

careers in dance, basketball and soccer. Kenny and Anna were the loves of his life. After divorcing, Ken

and his wife of 33 years, Laurie, built a friendship and they came to appreciate each other and their

children more than ever.

Ken is survived by his adoring children, whom he adored in return. They are Kenneth Van

Hese (Brittney) and Anna Van Hese. Ken is also survived by his sister, Nancy Van Hese Sagnella

(Leonard), and brothers Dale Van Hese and Dennis Van Hese. He also leaves a nephew Aaron

(Enola) and a great niece Lahela. Ken’s beloved father and mother, Raymond and Mary, along

with his loving family, greet Ken with open arms and a hardy “Welcome Home!”