Kenneth Toren

November 26, 1919 ~ October 23, 2018

Toren - Ken Toren, age 98, died Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Helen Toren; Eleanor Toren, the mother of his children; sister, Ethelyn Taylor; and brother, Bob Toren. Survivors include his much-loved wife, Linda Cook-Toren, brother, Raymond Toren, and his children. Ken left four daughters, Marcia Lucas, Marilyn Fisher, Kim (Emery) Freeman, and Pam Beth Kammermeier; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and special friend George Shough of Grand Rapids. Ken stared Kendales Photographers and Allied Photo Lab when he left military service in 1945. He operated photographic studios in Dayton, Toledo, Ft. Wayne and ten Michigan cities and a commercial processing lab in Grand Rapids. He retired in 2007. Ken served in the Papuan, New Guinea; Bismarck Archipelago; Southern Philippines; Luzon; Ryukyus and China campaigns in WW II. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon w/1 Silver and 3 Bronze Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon Battle Star, 6 Overseas Service Bars. Ken enjoyed travel and reading and published an on-line newsletter about travel in Mexico. He was especially proud of his, Linda’s and his company’s role in the expansion of the Wyoming public library and volunteered there until his death. No services are planned. Please make memorial contributions to the local animal shelter or adopt a pet. To share a photo, memory and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Kenneth Lyle Toren please visit our Sympathy Store.

Leave Your Tribute Message

October 31, 2018

My thoughts go out to both of you, Marcia and Kim. May there be some good memories for each and both of you to share and remember about your Father.Janet McFarland-Idema

- Janet Idema

October 30, 2018

Dear Linda, Becky and I want to express to you and the family our sincere condolences at your loss. We have good memories of living across each on Trentwood before we moved out of the neighborhood into a condo in Gaines Township. I vividly remember conducting your wedding ceremony at the cottage up north. We have the beautiful picture of my father hanging in our home that Ken took of my father when he was visiting us from Africa. My father passed away in early 2004 at age 97. May God fill your soul with His grace and comfort. Our love and prayers, Sam and Becky Vinton

- Samuel Vinton

October 28, 2018

Condolences to all. Law Office of Terry L. Selles (and Lisa)

- Terry Selles

October 27, 2018

Marcia, I was sorry to hear about you dad.Have often thought of you and your family. Wishing all of you the best of memories.

- Karilyn Frederick

October 27, 2018

Ken always made me smile when he came into the library. He and Linda gave so much time, energy and love into the Wyoming Library and helped make it the most beautiful building. My deepest sympathy to Linda and the family. We have lost one amazing man that will be greatly missed. Karen Small - Wyoming Library

- Karen Small

October 27, 2018

Dear Linda and family, I'm so very sorry to learn of Ken's passing. You were a delightful couple and I'll always remember how much you both added to everyone's enjoyment at book club. Such a sad loss. Much love to all. Michaele Smith (Wyoming Library Assistant)

- Michaele Smith

October 26, 2018

The way that Ken made me feel welcome when I would visit his home and cottage. The way that he would make me feel like a master chef when I would prepare a meal. And the way he would capture it on film. You will missed! Your Friend, DeWayne Smith

- Kevin Smith