Croff, Kenneth David Jr.

Ypsilanti, MI

Age 91, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at his home. He was born June 23, 1933 in Petoskey, MI, the son of Kenneth Darwin and Cecilia Ann (Lybarker) Croff Sr.

After graduating from Ypsilanti High School in 1951, Kenneth joined the National Guard before marrying his high school sweetheart, Joyce Wilson, in 1954 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

He enjoyed a successful career as a lens technician for Argus Optics of Ann Arbor, retiring in the early '90s. He was very good at it but that alone did not define him… that was just to pay the bills.

What moved him, inspired and made him the man people loved, were his hobbies. Kenneth was an expert huntsman, master rabbit breeder, gardener, and his music. Always his music. Although he was self-taught and unable to read music, he was able to play all stringed instruments, harmonica, piano and organ. He also wrote and sang beautifully.

Kenneth is survived by his daughters Juanita (Brett) Carpenter and Kendra Croff; grandchildren Katie Anne (David) Holcomb, Edward Joel (Beth) Carpenter, Rachel Lynne (Bill) Gaskill, Sarah Jane (James) Bates, James Andrew (Corey) Simpson, Karen Marie Simpson, John Scott (Lily) Manley and Kayla Ann Drobil; 18 great-grandchildren and 23 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Joyce Croff, daughter Linda Joyce Croff, brother Wayne Croff and sister Livia Marks

A funeral service will be held 11 am Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Stark Funeral Professionals (101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti). The family will receive friends 9 am until time of service. Father Tim Krukowski will officiate. Kenneth will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Ypsilanti.