Obituary of Kenny Lee Trudgen

Ken Trudgen, 65, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022, after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. He was born August 23, 1956 and grew up in Merrill. He served in the United States Army for 3 years and then worked 25 years at A+P/Farmer Jack in various roles, including bookkeeper and department head. He finished his working career at Hammer Restoration. Ken enjoyed fishing, golfing, and watching sports. He also enjoyed playing very lively card games with family and friends and was known for his creative yet successful card playing antics. He enjoyed many beautiful summers on Wixom Lake and was a hunter of varying success that enjoyed “deer camp” more than the hunt itself. He especially loved being a dad and grandpa. He had his grandkids over every weekend and he enjoyed fishing, going on frog catching adventures, and watching Scooby Doo with them. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, including going to the Badlands of South Dakota and his dream vacation to Alaska. In retirement, he could be found tending to his meticulous lawn, jumping in the pond with his grandkids, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers. He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Becky, as well as two children, Beth (Dan) Scoles and Bryan Trudgen, all of Merrill. He adored and spoiled his grandchildren Isaac Trudgen and Aubrey Makowski of Merrill. He also leaves to cherish his memory his sister Connie Alaniz of Merrill, brother Chuck (Heidi) Frakes, Weidman, second mom Trudie Trudgen, Saginaw, mother-in-law Marilyn Clare, Hemlock, brother-in-law Rod (Linda) Clare, Hemlock, sisters-in-law Nancy Clare, Hemlock, and Rhonda (David) Watson, Jackson, Wyoming. He also leaves behind special friends Gary and Brenda Miller, Saginaw, and Dave Hutfilz, Merrill. Ken is survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, including his nephew and partner in mischief, Phillip Alaniz of Hemlock. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Trudgen, mother, Mary Lou Frakes, father-in-law Arden Clare, brother, Dale Trudgen, and brother-in-law Roger Clare. Cremation has taken place per Ken’s wishes and a celebration of life will occur at a future date. Memorials can be made to the Toni & Trish House in Auburn, Michigan or the charity of your choice. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.