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Kenneth Jean “Ken” Huftile, age 94, of Sturgis, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at his home.
He was born June 27, 1931 in Constantine, son of the late Merton and Thelma (Wright) Huftile.
Ken moved to Sturgis at the age of 13 and was a proud graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1949. Following graduation, he enlisted in what was then the newly established U.S. Air Force, serving three years and an additional six months due to the Korean War. He earned the rank of E-4.
Upon returning home, Ken began his long and dedicated career with the Kirsch Company in Sturgis, retiring in 1991 after 38 years of service as manager of the computer center.
On May 29, 1953, Ken married the love of his life, Barbara Large, in Sturgis. They shared 60 wonderful years together before her passing on May 8, 2013.
Ken was a longtime, active member of the Sturgis Church of Christ and the Sturgis Kiwanis Club, where he faithfully served as club secretary for 32 years. His devotion and attention to detail earned him the Distinguished Secretary of the Year Award ten times from the Michigan District of Kiwanis. He held life memberships in both Kiwanis International and the Michigan District of Kiwanis.
An avid sports enthusiast, Ken was a passionate bowler for many years and was honored with induction into the Sturgis Bowl Hall of Fame. He also loved the game of golf and continued to play well into his 90s as a proud member of the Crutch Players Golf League. Beyond sports, he enjoyed creative hobbies such as macramé and rug hooking.
He is survived by his four daughters: Rebecca (Roger) Evilsizor of Sturgis, Pamela (Michael) Fischer of Cumming, Georgia, Amy (Jeff) Masterman of Manistee, and Jeanie (Rob) Goldner of St. Joe, Indiana; nine grandchildren: Colby, Kirby, Calico, Rachel, Barbara, Holly, Tiffany, Aaron, and Simon; eight great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Audrey France of Otwell, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son-in-law, Dennis Pagels; sister, Marilyn Mallette; and brother, Leeland Ward.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, October 17, and from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 18, at the Sturgis Church of Christ, 901 N. Lakeview Ave., in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Kenneth Huftile will begin at 2:00 Saturday, immediately following visitation. The Rev. George Cleverly will officiate. A graveside committal will follow at Bronson Cemetery in Bronson, with full military honors conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 V.F.W. and the United States Air Force Honor Guards.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to Great Lakes Christian College, 6211 W. Willow Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917, or Woodburn Christian Children’s Home, 24902 Notestine Rd., Woodburn, IN 46797.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com
