Kenneth Oscar VanNeste

Van Neste, Kenneth, “Ken”, “KO”, age 93 y/o. Beloved husband of Mary Kay for 68 cherished years. Loving Father of Julie Mattiacci and Kathleen Van Neste-Kortebein. Predeceased by his son Kenneth “Kenny” Van Neste (2019). Proud grandfather of Jodi Burk (Wes), Ryan Mattiacci, Merrik Van Neste, Skot Van Neste, Joshua Kortebein, Genevieve Snyder (Trevor), Claire-Marie Kortebein, Magdalena Kortebein, and Jacinta Kortebein. He was the great-grandfather of Howl Van Neste. Son of Henry and Mary Louise( Vermeersch) Van Neste. Dear brother to the late Delores (the late Gerry Kuna) Smythe. The proud uncle of many nieces and nephews. Ken graduated from De La Salle Collegiate High School in 1951 and went on to serve in the Navy as a Boiler Operator on the USS Marguerite. He was discharged Honorably and went off to obtain degrees from Western Michigan University and University of Detroit. He worked as an Electronics Engineer fixing computers and managing for Honeywell Bull and in retirement took a part-time job as a delivery driver for Commercial Air Heating and Cooling Company. Ken had an incredible work ethic and never shied away from a call on his life nor complained of pain physically or from the weight of the life’s journey. He was entrusted to be a Sacristan at the St. Therese Monastery and also spent many years counting the offerings at St. Blasé Catholic Church. Aside from his family who loved him deeply, Ken was loved and respected among his peers, neighbors, and friends. Ken loved the puzzles of life, personally and professionally, as well as, the Sunday paper. He had an incredible ability to see the solution before the pencil hit the paper, the rubber met the road or the screwed turned. He worked through story problems, life problems, bumps in marriages, home repairs, broken hearts, illness, and injury and celebrated the victories of those around him great and small. He taught you how to read a map or look for landmarks so you could always find your way, if you could not, he would come to your rescue at any hour. If you had the privilege of meeting him, he put a pulse on your life. His smile lit the room and his laughter was contagious. You knew in the presence of Ken, you had his attention, you were seen and heard. As his second eldest granddaughter stated “When in the presence of Papa, you felt the comfort of HOME." He wanted those around him to be at peace and he made every effort to make sure he went the extra mile to close the distance between you and the best version of yourself. He loved to drive to find new adventures or restaurants to take part in. He was an incredible cook. He enjoyed watching the Lions and Tigers, and golf on a Sunday afternoon. He had the pleasure of coaching Basketball and Baseball for his son Kenny. Ken’s greatest treasure was his family. His home was his castle and he was protective of that. He was a leader and a source of strength for his family. He was always the man you could turn to, he made you believe that nothing in life was too big to handle and he would always stand by you. He took pride in his children, encouraged them and sacrificed for them for their education, health, and spirituality. For his grandchildren he showed up whatever the weather through every birth, sports competition, ballet and piano recital, band concert, or when the need arose for his presence just to sit a while and talk about whatever was on their hearts, sharing both tears and moments of laughter. They knew when they looked out in the crowd, saw his red jacket and white comb over he was there cheering them on. He had a gentle way of delivering guidance to help them grow through their challenges to see a better outcome. Donuts from the Butternut Bakery on Thursdays before school, Birthdays, Holidays made special, and always attentive to what meant to most to each child. Every day, was a gift in his presence. He stood in as a father for many and was the greatest of all time “Papa-Daddy”. When one of his children or grandchildren walked through his door, they were greeted with a “Hi Hun”, their given nickname, or some badge of honor. His dentures brought many silly moments with an “Eeeee” as the children would say, “Do it again, Papa” to see a toothless grin. Papa got to walk one of his granddaughters down the aisle a day they dreamed of together and attended every grandchild’s graduation. Even when he lost his sight and hearing became difficult he remained curious and on a vivacious quest for knowledge. He loved to read, or listen to books and with a cup of coffee in hand he would ask questions, offer opinions, and keep up with world events. Lastly, Ken had a tremendous devotion to the Blessed Mother, who I learned recently taught him an important life lesson which changed his life. Ken prayed the Rosary daily from that point until he took his last breath without fail. As Ken went to his Heavenly home on the Feast of St. Bernard, Abbott and Doctor of the church he lived this saint’s famous quote every day of his life: “The measure of LOVE is LOVE without measure.” Funeral Saturday, August 29, 2026 St. Blasé Catholic Church 12151 15 mile Rd. (Between Dodge Park and Schoenherr Road) Sterling Heights, MI 48312 In-state: 8:30 am until the Mass Holy Mass: 9:30 am Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Capuchin Soup Kitchen 1820 Mt. Elliott Street Detroit, MI 48207

Kenneth Oscar VanNeste

July 15, 1933 - August 20, 2026