Kenneth Murlin VanBrocklin

Kenneth M. VanBrocklin, 63, of Benton Harbor, our special brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly at Sturgis Hospital, Monday, February 29, 2016.  We are all heartbroken, shocked and saddened by his loss. Ken was born February 10, 1953 in Benton Harbor, MI to Murlin and Mary (Betty Weaver) VanBrocklin.  Ken and his sister Marilyn became part of the Miller family in 1996 shortly before his father married Maggie Miller. He was very proud to be a member of EEA 585 and worked continuously with the Blossomtime Dawn Patrol of which his father, Murlin, was in charge of for many years.  He especially loved the annual fly-ins at Oshkosh, WI with his father. Ken was very active in family events, especially enjoying holidays and parties together. Fishing and flying with his father and helping out at Williams Jewelry Store in St. Joseph were always special to him. He lived in Sturgis for over 30 years; the last 19 living with his loving caregivers, Sonny and “special mom” Kelly Massey.  Ken worked at Arch Industries, receiving many awards, until his retirement.  He loved his many housemates, sharing his movies and many other things with everyone.  His presence will be missed for years to come.  He had a huge, giving heart and great sense of humor. Surviving Ken are his sister, Marilyn VanBrocklin of Niles; siblings Jack (Dee) Miller, Judi (Dana) Sheldon, Debbie (Doug) Slager, Doug (Debbie) Miller and Rick (Peggy) Miller, all local; his forever loved caregivers, Sonny (Kelly) Massey of Sturgis; along with cousins, Dorothy Moley, Joan Wagner, Bob VanBrocklin and Mike VanBrocklin; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, mother, cousin Patty Smith and his special second mom Maggie (Miller) VanBrocklin. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, March 7, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.  Private burial will be held at a later date.  Those wishing to share a memory of Ken online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.