Kenton Henry Colling

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Kenton Henry Colling, who was just short of 91 years old, was unexpectedly called to the great hunting ground in the sky on August 4, 2026. Ken leaving this world is particularly surprising to his family as he had, for the first time in years, been granted a bear permit and was “too busy” preparing for his hunting trip with nephew Curt Dickson to have taken the time to pass away.

Born September 15, 1935, Ken grew up on the family farm in Watertown Township, Michigan. After graduating from Mayville High School, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society.

Although he thought it was hilarious to deliberately misuse words like subscription for prescription, draw for drawer, and warsh for wash, Ken was a strong proponent of education.

As a 6th generation Mason, Ken was a 32nd degree member of the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge #226. Each year he devoted countless hours to the administration of their scholarship program and got immense joy from presenting scholarships to recent high school graduates who were continuing their studies. He was also a member of the Valley of Bay City Scottish Rite, joining partly due to their work with children that struggle with dyslexia.

After college Ken had a successful career working for several large corporations, was granted patents and was promoted to head of Engineering. Being firmly patriotic, the overwhelming pride in his voice was evident when his security clearances finally ended and he was able to speak openly about his work on Minuteman and Tomahawk missiles, and an upgrade to the B-52 bombers.

Ken’s love of nature, hunting, fishing and trapping is evident in the home he designed and built which is surrounded by fields of wildflowers and ponds teaming with wildlife. A talented artist, Ken’s paintings adorn the walls with his favorite subject matter: animals and outdoor scenes.

The various mounts hanging in his home often launch Ken into very long, very detailed stories about the hunt. A recent favorite was a tale of a hard-fought battle of wits with a beaver that was determined to drop a tree directly onto Ken’s power lines. Much to his chagrin, the beaver continued to evade Ken’s trap lines for months. The pelt that now hangs on the living room wall shows the ultimate victor in The Great Beaver War of 2025.

The several long term loves in Ken’s life include his wife of over 70 years, June, his devotion to wearing flannel shirts (even in the summer), a bowl of Cheerios covered in honey for breakfast (although he was never known to pass up 2nd breakfast, especially when bacon was on the menu), bee keeping, gardening (Are 100 tomato plants enough?) and the search for the answer to the nagging question, “What did you guys do with my _____?” (We knew better than to touch his stuff!)

Another great love was Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (where Ken and June raised their children), specifically the Mosquito Club (deer camp). From what Ken’s family can tell, deer camp was filled with cooking on the old wood stove, eating, 4-wheeler rides, rigging up a makeshift shower, visitors from other camps, BS-ing, beer & B-52’s, and endless stories (many of which contained questionable facts). When there was time left over, a few of the guys would even hunt.

Ken will be greatly missed by all who knew him and his family will forever be at a loss without him to remind us “Should’a been on the road an hour ago!”

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Edgar & Leota (nee McMahon), brothers Duane and Ronald Colling, and grandsons Justin Saunders and Cody Sheridan.

He is survived by his wife June (nee Gangler), children: Krystal (Dwain) Rayl, Karen (Patrick) Sheridan, Sheryl Jayson, Timothy (Trisha) Colling and, brother Dalton (Barbara) Colling.

Ken also leaves behind grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom he has, at one time or another, lovingly declared to be his favorite. They are: Michelle (James) Miller & great-grandchildren Oliva and Trent Miller, Maureen (Britany) Salter-Sheridan, Connor Colling (Sasha Rios), Jacob (Rachael) Colling, and Morgan Colling (Ari Van Oosterwijk), Lucas (Heather) Sheridan & family, and the family of Cody Sheridan.

Extended family include several brothers and sisters-in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews, and his Mosquito Club family, each of whom held a special place in Ken’s heart.

Kenton's funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home in Caro. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, August 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 a.m. funeral service. Rev. Jim Butler will officiate. A luncheon will follow the service, with burial afterward at Watertown Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathy are invited to make memorial contributions to a scholarship fund established in Kenton’s name. Contributions may be sent care of Karen Sheridan (fund administrator), Ransford Funeral Home, 205 West Sherman St., Caro, MI 48723.