K. Kenneth Tarbell

On November 16, 2015, Karl Kenneth Tarbell II joyously rose to meet his Lord and Savior. Ken, as he was known to his friends, was a kind and loving husband, and a truly amazing father.  Born February 27th 1926, he spent his youth in Shelton Connecticut with his parents Karl Kenneth Tarbell I and Sue (Reeleder) Tarbell, who greeted him in Heaven with open arms.  Summers in New Brunswick, Canada helping his relatives on their potato farm instilled a work ethic that served him well throughout his life.  Ken was an All-American and excelled in college basketball playing for both the University of South Carolina and the University of Connecticut. He was in Naval officer training in Pensacola, FL when the war ended, and subsequently attended Michigan State University where he met the love of his life, Judy.  Ken was a trout fisherman extraordinaire, tying his own flies, and building a cabin on the Manistee River that is a treasured family retreat.  He loved to hunt, whether furred or feathered.  He carved his own decoys, trained his favorite dog, and especially loved duck hunting with his incredible retriever Joe.  Memories of picking his guitar, playing his harmonica, telling wonderful jokes, and his all around love for life will be treasured by his friends and family forever.  He was a man who loved people no matter from what walk of life.  He treated everyone with kindness and respect, and always made people feel that they were special.  Ken loved to golf, and had the honor of shooting his age at 79.  Ken formed a company with business partner Robert Greiner in 1954, later bringing on a third partner Robert Wood.  He devoted his entire career to G & T Foam Products Group, and it remains a vital part of the regional cushioning and packaging industry to this day.  He and Judy retired to Hilton Head South Carolina and spent 20 years making new friends, golfing, enjoying the sunshine, and eating their favorite seafood.  There will no doubt be an incredible oyster roast in heaven!  Ken leaves behind his adoring wife and soulmate of 66 years, Judy (Preece) Tarbell, loving children Karl Kenneth “Ken” Tarbell III, Susan Marie (Pat) Vandermolen, grandchildren Kristen (Aaron) Moore and Andrew Vandermolen, sister in law Irene Felt, nephews Richard (Kim) Felt, Gary Felt, Mark (Rhonda) Emaus, niece Lauren Felt and many dear friends. He had a wonderful life well lived, with memories that will sustain us all forever.  The funeral service will be held 3:00 P.M. Friday November 20, 2015 at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thursday from 6-8pm and also one hour prior to the service on Friday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.  

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