Kenneth M. Bell

Beloved husband, father, grandparent, brother, uncle, and friend, Ken Bell passed away on March 29, 2025 at the age of 70 years.

The son of the late Chester and Rose Bell (Eldred), Ken was born on November 20,1954 in Saginaw, Michigan. He graduated from St. Charles, Michigan in the class of 1972. He was a Central Michigan University alumnus, where he studied computer science, physics and mathematics, and went on to get his Masters in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. He retired from Dow Corning in 2009, after an impressive career as an IT Architect and 28 years of service.

Ken met the love of his life, Michele Bell (Sullivan), at a freshman welcome dance at Central Michigan University in the fall of 1973. The two quickly became inseparable, drinking milkshakes at Jon's Country Burger, hiking the trails in Deer Field Nature Park, and spending time with family and friends. Michele, a teacher, was going to save the world, one child at a time, and Ken was eager to support her every step of the way. They married June 26, 1976.

Ken took advantage of every opportunity to be involved. A natural athlete, he participated in many high school sports, including football. He was also class president and president of the ski club. As an adult, Ken served on the Hemlock High School Board of Education, coached little league soccer, softball, basketball, robotics, and other sports. He was a parishioner at St Mary Catholic Church for over forty years.

Ken was an avid photographer known for taking millions of photos, capturing local sports teams and beautiful scenery in the great outdoors. His photos touched so many lives and connected him to his community in a way that has made him a legend. In the stands, he was everyone's Dad, snapping photos and cheering for every kid on the team.

Ken had a deep love for the great outdoors, seeking adventure whenever possible. He went on many backpacking trips with his wife, brothers, sons, nephews, and daughters across Michigan, returning often to his favorite spot, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Every summer, he'd spend a week with his family at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, kayaking the Platte River, conquering the dune climb, and buying a round of ice cream for all. Closer to home, you could find Ken and Michele biking the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail or Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Ken passed along the leave no trace principles, instilling in the next generation the importance of "Take only photos, leave only footprints."

Friends and family would describe Ken as a playful and fun-loving man. He was the first to hit the dance floor at weddings, to do a flip on a trampoline, to slide belly-first on a sled, and to make a basket in the pool while jumping in. He made the room brighter by simply walking into it. He was as charismatic as he was caring, beloved by adults and children alike.

Above all else, Ken modeled the importance of showing up for others everyday, as well as what it means to be a family. As a grandpa, uncle, and brother, he brought the same warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support to every relationship he cherished. The love he and Michele shared had the power to move mountains and was the strong foundation they built their lives upon.

Surviving Ken are his wife Michele and his children: Matt Bell, Nick Bell (Michelle and Lara), Liz Theile-Bell, Lucas Bell (Anita), and Katie Bell Pearce (Eric); his grandchildren: Aiden, Owen, Evelyn, Will, Hadrian, and Ben; his siblings: Alice Bell, Rich (Yvonne) Bell, Don Bell (Dar), Donna Schantz (Dave), and Penny Helfrich (Ron); his in-laws, Sharon Holmes (Martin), Helen Sullivan, Kathy Gyles (Al), Paul Sullivan (Marina), Marge Hannon (Mike), Leanne Barnett, Norine Gil (George), Laurie Sullivan, and mother-in-law Dorothy Sullivan; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives, plus countless friends. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Chester and Rose Bell, his father-in-law, Morrell Sullivan, and his brothers-in-law John Schantz, Dave Sullivan, and Brian Barnett.

Funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2025 at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Mary Catholic Church in Hemlock. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp, S. J. will officiate with burial at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Hemlock. Friends may visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N. Miller Rd. Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. where a vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friends may also visit with the family at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral liturgy. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (https://friendsofsleepingbear.org/donate-now/) or National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (https://www.nplsf.org/) Please share your memories and words of condolence at www.casefuneralhome.com.