Kenneth L. Neering

Kenneth L. Neering, age 98, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Wellspring Senior Living Center in Saginaw. The son of the late Charles and Mary (Charlebois) Neering, he was born on August 23, 1925 in Bay City and has resided in Essexville his entire life. Ken was a Staff Sergeant with the U.S. 8th Air Force, 305th BG, 365th Sq serving as an armorer gunner/bombardier based in Chelveston, England during WWII. Following the war, he returned home and went to work at Aetna Cement, now Essroc Corp. Ken retired in 1987 as Vice President of Essroc after 42 fulfilling years with the company. He was an active part of his community, serving as President of Essexville Chamber of Commerce, and memberships with Elks Lodge #88, D.A.V. Chapter 9, Essexville Hampton Lions Club and Knights of Columbus Council #2740, where he was Past Grand Knight. Ken was also a longtime member of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish and was a Past President of the Usher Club.
On September 2, 1944 Ken was united in marriage to the former Sally E. McGinnis and she preceded him in death on February 12, 2016. He is survived by his daughter, Debra (Donald) Diven of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; granddaughter, Sara (Brandon) Reed and great grandchildren, Kellen and Nash; and step grandchildren, Jessie, Erin and Andy Diven. Also, 2 nieces, Sue Shaffer and Barb Hunt and nephew, Mike Neering. He was also preceded in death by his son, Charles Neering; and a daughter, Karen Neering.
Ken loved Michigan and all its natural resources, calling it, "God's Country". He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and golfing. He also had fun woodworking in his shop making Christmas sleighs, reindeer and many other assorted animals his family still enjoys. He was also an avid Euchre and Bridge player. He would never turn down a game of Euchre, no matter how late the night!
Ken moved to Wellspring Senior Living in 2017 where he enjoyed kidding all the residents and staff and enjoyed the special companionship of Clara Williams, who had also been his high school classmate.
Visitation will take place at Trahan Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with a KofC Bible presentation at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Rite of Committal at St. Patrick Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Dcn. Timothy Hartwig presiding. Military Honors will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). For on-line sentiments: www.trahanfc.com