Kenneth Waryas Obituary
Visit the A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors - Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel website to view the full obituary.
Ken Waryas
January 7, 1948 – December 31, 2025
Ken Waryas, age 77, of Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 7, 1948, Ken lived a life full of adventure and cherished moments with family and friends.
Ken devoted his career to the automotive industry, beginning at General Motors, then moving to Chrysler, later working for Volkswagen, and ultimately returning to Chrysler in 1984 as a mechanic. Through hard work and determination, he advanced to become a Product Development Engineer, a role he held until his retirement in 2008. His expertise and commitment earned him the respect of colleagues throughout his many years in the auto industry.
Outside of work, Ken embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid angler who loved week-long fishing trips with friends and traveled extensively for fishing adventures across many states, as well as Mexico and Canada. Ken treasured his yearly trips to Gull Lake Golf Resort, where he achieved the coveted hole-in-one.
Ken was a passionate sports fan. He loved cheering for Michigan State University football and women's fast-pitch softball-Go GREEN! He also enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions, proving that patience truly is a virtue. It was the same patience he showed waiting for the big catch on fishing trips and lining up that perfect putt on the golf course-though he often joked on a missed putt, "I'd rather be fishing!" Ken also enjoyed other sports, including bowling and sailboat racing, always seeking new ways to enjoy life.
Ken was the kind of person who could repair or remodel just about anything-and he did so gladly. If someone was in need, Ken was always the first to step up and help, never expecting anything in return. His generosity, resourcefulness, and willingness to lend a hand defined the kind of man he was: caring, dependable, and truly one of a kind.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Joseph Waryas and Eileen R. Clayton and his son Jason Waryas (2014). He leaves behind his loving wife, Lucinda (Luci) Waryas; his brothers; Robert Waryas and Mark Waryas; his daughter Lindsay (Brock) Beets; and grandchildren Brandon and Kaylee. He is also survived by his stepchildren Anthony (Allison), Jennifer, Michelle, Robert (Nancy), Kevin (Stacy), and Paul, and their children Kelsie, Eden, Cameron, Erin, Zyler, James, Suyan, and Emmalou. Ken is also survived by his "brother from another mother," John (Teresa) Yee.
A celebration of Ken's life will take place Wednesday, January 7, 2026, starting at 10AM until the funeral service at 12PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons 32515 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak (248) 549-0500.
A procession to Oakview Cemetery will immediately follow.
A second memorial will take place in the spring in Lake, Michigan.
Expressions of sympathy may be offered through flowers or by making a memorial donation to Heartland Hospice, 1627 E Broomfield St., Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 in Ken's memory.
Forever in our hearts-whether on the water, on the fairway, or savoring a scotch.
January 7, 1948 – December 31, 2025
Ken Waryas, age 77, of Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 7, 1948, Ken lived a life full of adventure and cherished moments with family and friends.
Ken devoted his career to the automotive industry, beginning at General Motors, then moving to Chrysler, later working for Volkswagen, and ultimately returning to Chrysler in 1984 as a mechanic. Through hard work and determination, he advanced to become a Product Development Engineer, a role he held until his retirement in 2008. His expertise and commitment earned him the respect of colleagues throughout his many years in the auto industry.
Outside of work, Ken embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid angler who loved week-long fishing trips with friends and traveled extensively for fishing adventures across many states, as well as Mexico and Canada. Ken treasured his yearly trips to Gull Lake Golf Resort, where he achieved the coveted hole-in-one.
Ken was a passionate sports fan. He loved cheering for Michigan State University football and women's fast-pitch softball-Go GREEN! He also enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions, proving that patience truly is a virtue. It was the same patience he showed waiting for the big catch on fishing trips and lining up that perfect putt on the golf course-though he often joked on a missed putt, "I'd rather be fishing!" Ken also enjoyed other sports, including bowling and sailboat racing, always seeking new ways to enjoy life.
Ken was the kind of person who could repair or remodel just about anything-and he did so gladly. If someone was in need, Ken was always the first to step up and help, never expecting anything in return. His generosity, resourcefulness, and willingness to lend a hand defined the kind of man he was: caring, dependable, and truly one of a kind.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Joseph Waryas and Eileen R. Clayton and his son Jason Waryas (2014). He leaves behind his loving wife, Lucinda (Luci) Waryas; his brothers; Robert Waryas and Mark Waryas; his daughter Lindsay (Brock) Beets; and grandchildren Brandon and Kaylee. He is also survived by his stepchildren Anthony (Allison), Jennifer, Michelle, Robert (Nancy), Kevin (Stacy), and Paul, and their children Kelsie, Eden, Cameron, Erin, Zyler, James, Suyan, and Emmalou. Ken is also survived by his "brother from another mother," John (Teresa) Yee.
A celebration of Ken's life will take place Wednesday, January 7, 2026, starting at 10AM until the funeral service at 12PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons 32515 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak (248) 549-0500.
A procession to Oakview Cemetery will immediately follow.
A second memorial will take place in the spring in Lake, Michigan.
Expressions of sympathy may be offered through flowers or by making a memorial donation to Heartland Hospice, 1627 E Broomfield St., Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 in Ken's memory.
Forever in our hearts-whether on the water, on the fairway, or savoring a scotch.
A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors - Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel
32515 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073
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