Kenneth Dale Block

Kenneth D. Block, age 72, of Beal City, passed away unexpectedly on December 11, 2024. Born on September 7, 1952, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Ken was the beloved son of the late Richard Dale and Darlene A. (Carr) Block. A proud graduate of Beal City High School, class of 1971, Ken was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1972, where he served with distinction in the military police during the Vietnam War, including a deployment to South Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1974. Ken married his high school sweetheart, Vickie Sue Schumacher, on December 16, 1972, and together they shared a life filled with love and adventure, including a memorable eight months living overseas during his military service. After his military service, Ken worked with Collinson Construction and Hovey Electric before becoming a part-owner of Michigan Microtech. In 1995, he founded Block Electric Company, and later, in 2015, he established Block and Sons, pursuing his passion for farming. Ken was deeply involved in his community, serving as a eucharistic minister and usher at St. Joseph the Worker Parish. He was also a dedicated member of the Beal City Knights of Columbus Council 3651 and served on the Beal City School Board for eight years. Ken's life was enriched by his love for hunting, fishing, and attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to family and community. Ken is survived by his loving wife of nearly 52 years, Vickie; four children, Rich (Becky) Block, Corey (Kelly) Block, Julie Block, and Janele (Ryan) Smith, all of Beal City ; grandchildren, Olivia (fiancee Andrew McCann), Jonathon, Emma, Bethany, and Aubrey Block, Cade, Drew, and Brynn Block, Chloe Benscoter, and Emilia and Pierce Smith; great granddaughter, Charleen McCann; siblings, Carlene (Don) Rivers of Tulsa, OK, Lonnie (Jan) Block of Sumner, Leslee (Pat) Heintz of Traverse City, and Hank (Jane) Block of Beal City; in-laws, Dr. Poorti Riley, Linda Morey, Mike Pasch, Dan and Annette Schumacher, Kevin and Sandi Schumacher, Craig and Lori Schumacher, Neil and Cheri Schumacher, Jill and Larry Noch, and Robb Wentworth; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, Richard Block and Darlene Block-Riley; step-father, Herbert Riley, infant sister, Lena Block; brother, Dr. Michael Riley; parents in-law, Jim and June Schumacher; and sister in-law, Gail Pasch. A Funeral Mass for Ken will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, December 20, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Andy LaFramboise presiding. Rite of Committal and military honors will be at St. Joseph Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Beal City Knights of Columbus Hall. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. A prayer service with a time for sharing will begin at 7 p.m. Visitation continues in the gathering room of the church on Friday one hour prior to Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker School. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. To sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family please visit www.charlesrlux.com