Kenneth Lee Near, age 69 of Howard City, passed away October 29, 2019 at his home. He was born June 6, 1950 in Saginaw, the son of Leroy "Jerry" and Audrey (Stall) Near. Ken was a 1968 graduate of Morley Stanwood High School. He married Betty Reickard on November 29, 1968 and together, they made their home in Morley until her death on April 10, 2010. Ken was employed for 42 years at Steel Case as a tool and die maker. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ken is survived by his fiance and life partner of six years, Brenda (Howe) Smith of Howard City; a son, Brian (Amy) Near of Morley; step-son Bill (Cheryl) Harris of Stanwood; four grandchildren, Jenifer, William Jr., C.J., and Corey; eight great-grandchildren; stepfather, Walter Hall of Jennings; brother, Dale (Rita) Near of Saginaw; sister, Sandy Edgerly of Morley; sister-in-law, Erma Norman of Grand Rapids; as well as many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his father, Jerry (Mildred) Near; his mother, Audrey Hall; his wife, Betty Near; brother, Jerry Near; brother-in-law, Jay Edgerly; his half-siblings, Janet (Todd), James, and Mark; and four step-siblings. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor David Bongard officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 1st at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Kenneth's name to Spectrum Health Hospice. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Visitation Friday, November 1, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307 Funeral Service Saturday, November 2, 2019 1:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307