Kenneth Ploch

Kenneth F. Ploch, age 72, of Potterville, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020. He was born June 20, 1948, in Lansing. The son of Frederick “Fritz” and Velma (Sparks) Ploch. He graduated from Potterville High School in 1966. Afterwards, he served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War performing maintenance on helicopters. He was married to Patricia Dravenstatt on August 21, 1971, in Potterville, where he was a lifelong resident. He worked for General Motors for 42 years, retiring in 2002. Ken had varied interests and talents. For many years, he was a league bowler, once bowling a 299. An avid reader, Ken had an extensive collection of books. Photography was another interest, and for a time he processed and developed his own photos. He took many of his pictures on family vacations, camping or visiting historical places. Woodworking was another of his hobbies and he had a strong interest in electronics and built computers for himself and others. He also spent many hours working on jigsaw puzzles. Ken enjoyed being outdoors and planted and tended to a large vegetable garden every year. In retirement, he installed a pond and waterfall in his backyard and landscaped the area with beautiful flowers and plants. After that project was complete, he brought some natural beauty indoors by installing a saltwater fish tank and carefully tended to the fish and corals. Throughout his life, Ken found great joy in the companionship of his dogs. He was partial to Golden Retrievers and trained and cared for many loyal companions. Each one held a special place in his heart. Ken is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia; daughters: Kristen Bigelow of Holt, Tricia Woodcock of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren: Tyler & Ryan Bigelow; Conner, Lincoln & Hadleigh Woodcock; Austin Ploch & his siblings Cody & Ellie; sisters: Nadine LaMotte of Alabama, Ruth (Jeff) Beaver of Alabama; several nieces and nephews; and his four-legged friends Mollie & Tucker. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenneth M. Ploch; brother, Frederick Ploch; son-in-law, Andy Woodcock; and his four-legged friends Copper, Buffy, GR, Jack, Maggie, Jake, Jill, Daisy & Mack. A private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 2 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Linda Farmer-Lewis officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Benton Township Cemetery. For those that are unable to attend and would like to watch the funeral service from your computer or mobile device the livestream link is https://listentochurch.com/listen/bgk. The call-in number is 517-667-7400 for those without internet access that would like to listen via phone. Those desiring, may make contributions in Ken’s honor to the Capital Area Humane Society. To view Ken’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.