Kenneth A Fricke

Died Friday, April 16, 2010 in Kalamazoo, MI. Kenneth was born December 9, 1918, in Kalamazoo, MI, a son of Henry N. and Blanche Johnson Fricke and had been a life long area resident. He was graduated from State High and Western State Teachers College and received his Jurist Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan. In 1964, he became the first Municipal Judge of Portage and in 1969 he became a District Court Judge serving until his retirement in 1990. He served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II and remained a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars upon his return. Kenneth was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church, Kalamazoo Elks Lodge #50 and Moose Lodge 88. Kenneth was a private pilot and enjoyed flying his plane whenever he could get away. He also enjoyed playing golf, water skiing and deer hunting. On November 14, 1941, Kenneth was united in marriage with the former Lillian Marie Boell who preceded him in death on May 18, 1985. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Henry and Robert. Surviving are: a daughter and her husband, Karen Ann & Richard Geib of Portage; a son and his wife, Kenneth Henry & Carol Fricke of Kalamazoo; five grandchildren, Julie Anne Geib and her fiancé Justin Dueweke, David Michael Geib, John & Jennifer Kalleward, William & Dianna Kalleward and Robert & Tina Kalleward; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Visitations will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave., with a prayer service being held at 7 pm on Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 Thursday morning at St. Monica Catholic Church, 4408 S. Westnedge Ave., with Rev. Fr. Arthur Howard, Presider. Interment in South Portage Cemetery will follow. Memorial contributions should be directed to Bethany Reformed Church Food Pantry and Fishes or to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the his guest book and leave a condolence to his family. 269-343-1508.