Kenneth Burns, age 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, April 14, 2024. He was preceded in death by his brother, Calvin Burns; granddaughter, Lisa Potter; grandson, Tyler Bazzett. He will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 68 years, Lois Burns; children Gail (Duane) Bazzett, Sue (Rob) Regnerus, Sharon (Ed) Dryfhout, Michael (Erin) Burns; grandchildren Jared (Katie) Behrens, Ashley (Rodney) Behrens, Jessie Dryfhout, Robin (Todd) Veenstra, Shana (Ryan) Regnerus, Kirsten (Marc) Dobberstein, Tyler (Sarah) Burns, Christian Burns; great-grandchildren Savanna, Devon, Zoey, and McKenna Behrens, Isaiah and Cody Veenstra, Aubrey and Amelia Dobberstein, Lincoln and Easton Burns; sister-in-law, Julie Burns; and many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends.
Ken was in the Army and then went to college, got his master’s degree and became a teacher, principal, and ended his career as a special education teacher. During his teaching career, he was also a hobby farmer, raising cattle, and working their acreage to feed the cattle. He also took on beekeeping which provided the most amazing “local” honey.
He decided, when he was 69 years old, to hike the Appalachian Trail as a "thru-hiker." He cut no corners during this hike and finished it on his 70th birthday.
He also enjoyed woodworking and made a variety of birdhouses, windmills, fountains, and more. Some of his most amazing woodworking accomplishments were making a canoe for each child (and a couple for himself), a kayak, and a paddle board.
He was an avid runner, starting at 40 years old, and not only ran smaller races but worked his way into running many ultra-marathons, which included several hundred-mile races. Running was his passion from the very beginning of his running career.
Of all of his incredible accomplishments, the best of all was his love for the Lord, bringing up his children in the way of the Lord, and loving his family. He loved his wife to the fullest and was an incredible family man. His dedication to family and God was a blessing and will always be remember and treasured.
A celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Hudsonville Reformed Church, 3950 Highland Dr., Hudsonville, MI 49426, with visitation from 9:00-10:45 a.m. prior to service. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guest book online.
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