Kenneth J. Appleby

Kenneth John Appleby, age 71 of Riverview, passed away on June 23, 2024. He was the beloved husband to his wife, Lisa.

Loving father to Chelsea (Clint) Fugate, Holly (Matt) Cordts, Kristy Appleby, Joseph (Shelby) Gyurcsik, and Matthew Gyurcsik. Loving grandpa to Waverly, Sutton, Jeffrey, Joey, and Evelyn. Loving brother to Rich (Vickie), Michael (Linda), Debbie (Cory), and to many of his grand dogs and grand cats. Best-friend to Denny. Cherished father to his companion dog, Mya. He was also well loved by many of his nieces and nephews.

Ken grew up in Trenton Michigan and after graduating high school attended the University of Michigan attaining a Bachelor's Degree. Ken had two work passions. The first was teaching and he spent many years teaching at a local Catholic school downriver and was absolutely loved by his students. His second passion was business and he moved into the field of Risk Management. As Corporate Vice- President of Risk Management at the DMC and at the University of Michigan he tackled significant projects related to legal and malpractice issues in the medical field. He was a featured speaker at numerous medical legal conferences and was considered a leading expert in the field.

Additionally, Ken was elected to the Huron School District board of directors and served for over a decade ensuring quality education opportunities for the students.

Ken had another passion and that was his three daughters, Chelsea, Holly, and Kristy. He absolutely adored the girls and proudly shared his thoughts with his friends and family. Ken was also a proud “Grandpa” of all the grand kids and really enjoyed his time with them.

Later in life Ken was afflicted with PLS, Primary Lateral Sclerosis. His slowly developing disease made it difficult to walk and severely reduced his physical mobility as it progressed. In spite of the seriousness of this disease Ken maintained a remarkably positive attitude and dealt with it head on. As with his personal and professional life he marched on and worked hard to deal with this disease.

Ken loved debating issues and could do so in such a way that was logical and convincing-he was also able to accept other positions with no negativity.

Ken had a big heart and honesty was a strength. Because of this trait he was also able to recognize his own shortcomings and tried hard to overcome these. Ken always looked for the good in people and was willing to accept everyone for what they were.

Ken’s retirement years were spent with his soulmate and loving wife Lisa. Great memories were had spending time at their special place, the cottage up north. Ken enjoyed hanging around with his faithful dog Mya and his hockey brother Denny. Most recently he started a new hobby street racing in Riverview with his candy apple red hot rod scooter.

In spite of his illness Ken did what he always did-Make the best of it no matter what the circumstances.

In Lieu of flowers, Ken’s family requests that you honor his wonderful care team with a contribution to:

Hoenselaar ALS Clinic, Henry Ford Hospital

2799 W Grand Blvd, K-11

Detroit, MI 48202

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Visitation will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the Trenton Chapel of the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 3200 West Rd. Trenton, MI 48183, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be at 7:30 pm.