Ken’s life began on Feb. 14, 1937, in Dowagiac, the son of Kenneth and Marie (Thursby) Jessup.

He was a 1957 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School.

Ken was united in marriage to the former Patricia Carter on May 8, 1959, at First Christian Church in Dowagiac.

He served his country in the Michigan National Guard 246th Tank Battalion in Dowagiac for eight years.

Ken worked for Ameriwood Products, retiring as a supervisor in 1999.

He was currently working for Southwestern Michigan College in both Dowagiac and Niles in the maintenance department.

Ken was a member of Dowagiac Moose Lodge.

He enjoyed taking care of his home and feeding the birds.

His loving family includes: his wife of 50 years, Patricia Jessup of Dowagiac; daughter Jane (Robert) Frontczak of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Ryan (Emily) Frontczak of Dowagiac, Ashley (Chris) Eaton of California and Allison Frontczak of Dowagiac; great-grandson, Mason Frontczak of Dowagiac; sisters, Sharon (Stewart) Hill of Elkhart, Ind., and Arlene Wright of Cassopolis; and many friends.

Ken passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gene Jessup.

His family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Yazel-Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday led by Pastor James Tippin.
Ken will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the family in care of Patricia.
Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Ken at www.yazel-clark.com.