Kenneth
Kenneth J. Doctor
Ken “Finished Strong” surrounded by his family as he went to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, August 28, 2017 at his home in Otsego.
He was born May 3, 1938 to Silas and Johanna (Veenstra) Doctor in Ellsworth, MI. Ken was a graduate of Ellsworth High School, Cedarville and Central State and received his Masters from Western Michigan University.
For 10 years he had taught at the State Technical Institute at Pine Lake. He had also spent 2 years teaching missionary children in Fortaleza, Brazil with Baptist Mid Missions. After returning to the states he continued in Christian Education and spent the last 14 years as Administrator for Otsego Baptist Academy. For many years Ken worked part time in real estate including time at Cornell Associates.
In his spare time he enjoyed, golfing, fishing, hunting and bowling with his family. Ken was a member of the First Baptist Church of Otsego. He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and in the calling and outreach ministries. After his second bout with cancer Ken wrote a book “Finishing Strong God’s Way” sharing lessons he felt God was teaching him. On December 28, 1963 he married Donna Roost who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Kendra (Larry) Walker, Mark Doctor and Matthew Doctor; 7 grandchildren, Luke, Lindsay, Joel and Seth Doctor and Victoria, Josiah and Leah Walker; 1 great-grandson, Caleb Doctor; siblings, Bob (Peggy) Doctor, Fay (Ted) Sesslar, Vangie (Mel) Willie and Silas (Mary) Doctor along with many treasured nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may visit with Ken’s family from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., Thursday, August 31, 2017 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 1, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Otsego with Pastor Paul Laborde officiating.
Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
Contributions in memory of Ken may be made to First Baptist Church Mission Fund for the Huseby’s cancer expenses,
Scholarship Fund for Otsego Christian Academy
or to
Christian Neighbors.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Kenneth J. Doctor
Condolence Messages
Kaye Wentworth Barrett
August 28, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Donna and family, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Reply
Rhonda Douglas
August 28, 2017 at 8:27 pm
Donna I am so sorry to hear about Ken but he is now with the Lord and his pain is gone and he has a new heavenly body and is rejoicing with the angles. I am praying for you all for the next few days will be difficult
Reply
Ron and Rita Young
August 28, 2017 at 9:43 pm
We pray God’s comfort for you as a family. We remember so well “trading places” with you between Parchment and Fortaleza. We also joked telling people 5 doctors were staying in our house. Thank you all for your service. May God bless you each one. Ron and Rita
Reply
Judy Boston Merrill
August 29, 2017 at 12:45 am
Doctor family, I am so sorry for your loss, yet rejoicing with you that Ken has stepped over Heaven’s threshold into the presence of Jesus his Lord and Savior. May you be comforted by the Word and by your memories during these days of initial grief.
Vangie, you are in my thoughts. . .
Sent with love and prayers.
Reply
Ruth Bell
August 29, 2017 at 3:31 am
So sorry to here of Ken’s passing, but know he is with the Lord. Lowell always spoke well of him. Not sure how old I was but I met him in a VBS that he and I attended in Central Lake. I was staying with my grandmother and she wanted me to attend..
Reply
Minnie Houtman
August 29, 2017 at 8:28 am
Love and Condolences to your Family.When I heard Ken had passed, I went and Immediately picked up Finishing Strong and began to read it. I will finish it and pass it on to someone in need. Love to all. Minnie
Reply
Larry and Myrtle Guess
August 29, 2017 at 9:25 am
Donna and family, our love and prayers are with you all. I know there is no words that we can say to make this easier, only God can do that. But knowing that Ken has reached his destination has to help. He was such a mentor to so many, me included. I believe ,Ken really did finish his race strong God’s way. This world is truly a better place because Ken was put here. Again , Love and prayers sent for you all. Myrtle and Larry Guess
Reply
Joy Rabbitt DuShane
August 29, 2017 at 9:52 am
My deepest sympathy to all the family. May God bless and comfort you.
Reply
Allan Holden
August 29, 2017 at 10:46 am
I am so relieved to learn my dear friend’s earthly battles are over. Ken was a man’s man and a strong soldier of the Cross. How very grateful I am to my Heavenly Father to have spent time in this life with this humble, caring brother. Ken was also truly blessed to have a loving caring wife with a servant’s heart. I am so happy for Ken, yet carry a heavy heart. Ken’s advice to all would be for us to stay near the Shepherd always.
Thank you, Lord, for Ken and Donna.
Reply
MaryAnn Stratton
August 29, 2017 at 10:56 am
My dear Donna, I’m sorry for your loss, but at the same time I’m rejoicing with you and the family in Ken’s home going. I will always remember Ken as a great evangelist and lover of the Lord. I can not thank you and Ken enough for the prayers, visits and love you’ve shown to Phil. Your testimony to him means more than I can say. I’m trusting God to do a great miracle in his life, soften his heart and bring him to Salvation. May God Bless you and the family, and give you strength to Finish Strong in the days and weeks to come. Love, MaryAnn and Phil Stratton
Reply
The Kehrer Family
August 29, 2017 at 11:38 am
Our hearts are truly sadden at such a great loss for the Body of Christ, he will be missed but not for long as we see the day of Christ return approching soon! He was kind and compassionate that was above so many. Thank you Lord for your incredible servants who we need so badly in an ugly world, may we all finish like your servant, God bless and comfort the Doctor Family with a great Shalom. The Kehrer family.
Reply
Erica Gregory
August 29, 2017 at 1:21 pm
So sorry for your loss!
Reply
Karen Spoelman
August 29, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Sincere condolences to the family of Ken Doctor. I knew him as a gentle soul while we were class mates at Ellsworth High School.
Reply
Jim & Leora
August 29, 2017 at 2:04 pm
Donna, Prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Reply
Ruby And Jeremy Rogers
August 29, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Donna and family,
We were sadden to hear the loss of Ken, but then rejoiced because he was so ready and finished his race strong! We feel so comforted knowing we got to know such a true Christian man with a soft spoken tone but big heart. Thank you Lord for this example we had as he finished his race.
Donna you are a strong Christian woman, and you yourself showed humbleness, kindness, and courage, and lovingness that never stopped or never will hold onto the good memories and great times you shared and most of all sharing Christ together.
Love Ruby,Jeremy,alan,ceana
Reply
Ron and Cindy Roberts
August 29, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Our prayers go out for the family at this difficult time. Ken was a quiet man who did his work for the glory of God. We are thankful for the influence he had in ours and many lives.
Reply
Kristy Dashnier
August 29, 2017 at 9:48 pm
Dear Donna and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Prayers to you all.
Reply
Jean TerMeer
August 30, 2017 at 6:04 pm
Ken finished well and he is with Jesus. God will comfort you and give you peace. My condolences and prayers to you and your family. Keep looking up.
Reply
Johnson oil company of Gaylord
September 1, 2017 at 8:34 am
Donna, Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Johnson Oil Co. of Gaylord
Reply
Chris Haas
September 1, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Donna, I was sorry to hear about Ken. May your memories bring you strength, smiles & comfort. Prayers for you and your family. Chris
Reply
Robert W VandenBerg
September 3, 2017 at 12:19 pm
Really sorry to hear that Ken has passed away. I got to know Ken while he was the “man” at OCA and I was the AD at East Martin Christian. He wore many hats and one of them was Athletic Director. He was passionate about Christian Education and his faith shone brightly throughout life. Ken will be missed. His family and friends have my deepest Christian sympathy.
Reply
Tim & Laurie Andrus
September 5, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Our hearts are saddened at the passing of Ken. I pray that you draw comfort in knowing he is with our Father and you will meet again.
Reply
Dick and Mary Kay Larson
October 27, 2017 at 11:53 am
Dear Donna – we are saddened to know of your loss but rejoice with you that Ken is with our Lord. Our prayers for you will continue.
Dick and Mary Kay Larson
Reply
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He was born May 3, 1938 to Silas and Johanna (Veenstra) Doctor in Ellsworth, MI. Ken was a graduate of Ellsworth High School, Cedarville and Central State and received his Masters from Western Michigan University.
For 10 years he had taught at the State Technical Institute at Pine Lake. He had also spent 2 years teaching missionary children in Fortaleza, Brazil with Baptist Mid Missions. After returning to the states he continued in Christian Education and spent the last 14 years as Administrator for Otsego Baptist Academy. For many years Ken worked part time in real estate including time at Cornell Associates.
In his spare time he enjoyed, golfing, fishing, hunting and bowling with his family. Ken was a member of the First Baptist Church of Otsego. He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and in the calling and outreach ministries. After his second bout with cancer Ken wrote a book “Finishing Strong God’s Way” sharing lessons he felt God was teaching him. On December 28, 1963 he married Donna Roost who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Kendra (Larry) Walker, Mark Doctor and Matthew Doctor; 7 grandchildren, Luke, Lindsay, Joel and Seth Doctor and Victoria, Josiah and Leah Walker; 1 great-grandson, Caleb Doctor; siblings, Bob (Peggy) Doctor, Fay (Ted) Sesslar, Vangie (Mel) Willie and Silas (Mary) Doctor along with many treasured nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may visit with Ken’s family from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., Thursday, August 31, 2017 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 1, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Otsego with Pastor Paul Laborde officiating.
Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
Contributions in memory of Ken may be made to First Baptist Church Mission Fund for the Huseby’s cancer expenses,
Scholarship Fund for Otsego Christian Academy
or to
Christian Neighbors.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Kenneth J. Doctor
Condolence Messages
Kaye Wentworth Barrett
August 28, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Donna and family, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Reply
Rhonda Douglas
August 28, 2017 at 8:27 pm
Donna I am so sorry to hear about Ken but he is now with the Lord and his pain is gone and he has a new heavenly body and is rejoicing with the angles. I am praying for you all for the next few days will be difficult
Reply
Ron and Rita Young
August 28, 2017 at 9:43 pm
We pray God’s comfort for you as a family. We remember so well “trading places” with you between Parchment and Fortaleza. We also joked telling people 5 doctors were staying in our house. Thank you all for your service. May God bless you each one. Ron and Rita
Reply
Judy Boston Merrill
August 29, 2017 at 12:45 am
Doctor family, I am so sorry for your loss, yet rejoicing with you that Ken has stepped over Heaven’s threshold into the presence of Jesus his Lord and Savior. May you be comforted by the Word and by your memories during these days of initial grief.
Vangie, you are in my thoughts. . .
Sent with love and prayers.
Reply
Ruth Bell
August 29, 2017 at 3:31 am
So sorry to here of Ken’s passing, but know he is with the Lord. Lowell always spoke well of him. Not sure how old I was but I met him in a VBS that he and I attended in Central Lake. I was staying with my grandmother and she wanted me to attend..
Reply
Minnie Houtman
August 29, 2017 at 8:28 am
Love and Condolences to your Family.When I heard Ken had passed, I went and Immediately picked up Finishing Strong and began to read it. I will finish it and pass it on to someone in need. Love to all. Minnie
Reply
Larry and Myrtle Guess
August 29, 2017 at 9:25 am
Donna and family, our love and prayers are with you all. I know there is no words that we can say to make this easier, only God can do that. But knowing that Ken has reached his destination has to help. He was such a mentor to so many, me included. I believe ,Ken really did finish his race strong God’s way. This world is truly a better place because Ken was put here. Again , Love and prayers sent for you all. Myrtle and Larry Guess
Reply
Joy Rabbitt DuShane
August 29, 2017 at 9:52 am
My deepest sympathy to all the family. May God bless and comfort you.
Reply
Allan Holden
August 29, 2017 at 10:46 am
I am so relieved to learn my dear friend’s earthly battles are over. Ken was a man’s man and a strong soldier of the Cross. How very grateful I am to my Heavenly Father to have spent time in this life with this humble, caring brother. Ken was also truly blessed to have a loving caring wife with a servant’s heart. I am so happy for Ken, yet carry a heavy heart. Ken’s advice to all would be for us to stay near the Shepherd always.
Thank you, Lord, for Ken and Donna.
Reply
MaryAnn Stratton
August 29, 2017 at 10:56 am
My dear Donna, I’m sorry for your loss, but at the same time I’m rejoicing with you and the family in Ken’s home going. I will always remember Ken as a great evangelist and lover of the Lord. I can not thank you and Ken enough for the prayers, visits and love you’ve shown to Phil. Your testimony to him means more than I can say. I’m trusting God to do a great miracle in his life, soften his heart and bring him to Salvation. May God Bless you and the family, and give you strength to Finish Strong in the days and weeks to come. Love, MaryAnn and Phil Stratton
Reply
The Kehrer Family
August 29, 2017 at 11:38 am
Our hearts are truly sadden at such a great loss for the Body of Christ, he will be missed but not for long as we see the day of Christ return approching soon! He was kind and compassionate that was above so many. Thank you Lord for your incredible servants who we need so badly in an ugly world, may we all finish like your servant, God bless and comfort the Doctor Family with a great Shalom. The Kehrer family.
Reply
Erica Gregory
August 29, 2017 at 1:21 pm
So sorry for your loss!
Reply
Karen Spoelman
August 29, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Sincere condolences to the family of Ken Doctor. I knew him as a gentle soul while we were class mates at Ellsworth High School.
Reply
Jim & Leora
August 29, 2017 at 2:04 pm
Donna, Prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Reply
Ruby And Jeremy Rogers
August 29, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Donna and family,
We were sadden to hear the loss of Ken, but then rejoiced because he was so ready and finished his race strong! We feel so comforted knowing we got to know such a true Christian man with a soft spoken tone but big heart. Thank you Lord for this example we had as he finished his race.
Donna you are a strong Christian woman, and you yourself showed humbleness, kindness, and courage, and lovingness that never stopped or never will hold onto the good memories and great times you shared and most of all sharing Christ together.
Love Ruby,Jeremy,alan,ceana
Reply
Ron and Cindy Roberts
August 29, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Our prayers go out for the family at this difficult time. Ken was a quiet man who did his work for the glory of God. We are thankful for the influence he had in ours and many lives.
Reply
Kristy Dashnier
August 29, 2017 at 9:48 pm
Dear Donna and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Prayers to you all.
Reply
Jean TerMeer
August 30, 2017 at 6:04 pm
Ken finished well and he is with Jesus. God will comfort you and give you peace. My condolences and prayers to you and your family. Keep looking up.
Reply
Johnson oil company of Gaylord
September 1, 2017 at 8:34 am
Donna, Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Johnson Oil Co. of Gaylord
Reply
Chris Haas
September 1, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Donna, I was sorry to hear about Ken. May your memories bring you strength, smiles & comfort. Prayers for you and your family. Chris
Reply
Robert W VandenBerg
September 3, 2017 at 12:19 pm
Really sorry to hear that Ken has passed away. I got to know Ken while he was the “man” at OCA and I was the AD at East Martin Christian. He wore many hats and one of them was Athletic Director. He was passionate about Christian Education and his faith shone brightly throughout life. Ken will be missed. His family and friends have my deepest Christian sympathy.
Reply
Tim & Laurie Andrus
September 5, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Our hearts are saddened at the passing of Ken. I pray that you draw comfort in knowing he is with our Father and you will meet again.
Reply
Dick and Mary Kay Larson
October 27, 2017 at 11:53 am
Dear Donna – we are saddened to know of your loss but rejoice with you that Ken is with our Lord. Our prayers for you will continue.
Dick and Mary Kay Larson
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
Share This Obituary
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