Kenneth "Ken" J. Darland

Kenneth “Ken” J. Darland
Hemlock, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at his home, with his family at his side, at the age of 91 years.

The son of the late Joe and Agnes (Fleming) Darland, Ken was born on February 5, 1929 in Merrill, Michigan. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School, Merrill, Michigan with the Class of 1946. Ken married Mariann A. Quaderer on July 19, 1951 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Maple Grove, Michigan. They shared 54 wonderful years together. Mariann preceded Ken in death on January 15, 2006. Ken proudly served in the United States Air Force. He worked at Michigan Bell Telephone Company/AT&T from 1947 until he retired in 1987 with 40 years of service. Ken was a member of St. John XXIII Parish, Hemlock, Michigan and the Two Cylinder Tractor Club, Auburn, Michigan for many years. He enjoyed camping, working, farming, driving trucks and tractors. Above all, Ken cherished the time spent with his family.

Surviving are three daughters, two sons and their spouses: Bonnie and Jerry Buckley; Pat and Bob Dorr; Bev and Tim Dempsey; David Darland, Bob and Ronda Darland; nine grandchildren: Justin (Dana) Buckley; Dennis Buckley (fiancé: Ashley Vanderwall); Andy (Nichole) Dorr; Kim (Tom) Fuentes; Adam (Kayla) Dorr; Lauria (Mike) Harris; Joe Dempsey; Kayla Darland; Brent Darland (fiancé Katie Pitre); ten great-grandchildren: Maylin Buckley; Jayce Buckley; Maycee Vanderwall; Grant Vanderwall; Addison Dorr; Jameson Dorr; Kierson Dorr; Goldie Fuentes; Teddy Dorr and Alice Harris. Also surviving are many extended family members and friends. Besides his wife and his parents; Ken is preceded in death by two sisters and one brother: June Robinson; Jerry Darland; Ellen Maus.

Honoring Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp, S.J. will officiate with Private Rite of Committal at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Military Honors will take place under the auspices of the United States Army and VFW Post 7302. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John XXIII Parish or Henry Ford Health System for Cancer Research.