Kenneth R. Reed

Kenneth Robert Reed, 73, of Otsego, Michigan, passed away peacefully May 1, 2024, at home. Ken had been diagnosed with lung cancer 18 months prior which had metastasized to his brain. 

Ken was born April 3, 1951, in Sturgis, Michigan. He was a graduate of Mattawan High School. He had been plant manager at Midwest Molded Plastics in Kalamazoo for 10 years. 

In 1978, Ken met his life partner, James Lauck. Together they owned and operated the Lauck Pipe Organ Company of Otsego, Michigan. Ken became a highly skilled pipe maker, making thousands of organ pipes for the company as well as being office manager and general manager. At the end of 2018, Ken and Jim closed the company and retired. Ken and Jim were married in 2018 on the 40^th anniversary of them meeting each other.

Ken’s passions were his home, gentleman farming, raising various animals and tending to the acreage. His love of family was paramount; always willing to help aging parents, siblings, nieces and nephews or neighbors. Always laughing with a wide smile and a story to tell. 

Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Eatinger; father, Robert Reed; step-father, Lester Eatinger, two brothers, Charles Reed and Marvin Reed and sister, Catherine Schroeder. 

He is survived by his husband, James Lauck, two sisters, Shirley Krontz and Miriam (Dan) Stevens. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews in both the Reed and Lauck families. 

Friends and family may call on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, where a celebration of life memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, with a procession to Mountain Home Cemetery and final committal officiated by Chaplain Jeff Schmidt. 

Contributions in memory of Ken may be made to Centrica Care Navigators. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.