Obituary of Kenneth Ely

Kenneth James Ely was born on September 17, 1928 in Lee County Virginia and passed on October 17, 2024, in Monroe, Michigan, the last of 7 siblings.  He was the son of Marion and Anne (Clouse) Ely of Monroe. On March 3, 1951, Ken married Pauline Mary Rogers of Monroe.  They were married in Angola, Indiana during a military leave. Ken graduated from Monroe High School in 1947. He joined the Army and served as Corporal from 1950 through 1952, spending one year in Japan.  As a teen, Ken started working for Peterson Fishery, pulling nets and cleaning fish, a relationship he enjoyed well into adulthood.  He worked at Consolidated Paper Company, 31 years until it closed, as a machine tender and a tower boss.  Ken went to Detroit Edison Power Plant in Monroe as a millwright for the next 16 years.  For almost 30 years, Ken also worked and greatly enjoyed his job as a hunting guide for the Erie Shooting Club.  A devoted family man, Ken and Pauline raised two sons who blessed them with 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  Ken’s favorite vacation spot was his cottage in St. Helen, Michigan.  When he wasn’t working 2 jobs, he’d spend as much time as possible taking his boat out on Lake Erie, fishing well into his 80’s for perch and walleye.  He was a formidable bowler, also well into his 80’s, and only quit when his average fell.  With family at his side, he loved snowmobiling and 4 wheeling, not wanting to give up these outdoor sports until his 70’s.  “Kenny”, as he was called by his wife of 73 years, took care of everything for Pauline.  In these last years, their roles were reversed, and she took care of him. He will be missed.

Ken is survived by his wife: Pauline (Rogers) Ely, son: Ronald (Joy) Ely; son: Fred Ely; granddaughters: Brooke (David) Sharp and Morgan Ely; great granddaughters: Kimberly Sharp and Danielle Sharp. He is preceded in death by his parents and 6 siblings: Leah Treece, Neil Ely, Bernard Ely, Vivian Goins, Jack Ely, and Leonard Ely.

Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday; October 21, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday; October 22, 2024, also at Merkle’s with Pastor Roy Southerland officiating.  Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.  Graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Monroe County.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.