Kenneth Bryan Kisabeth

Kenneth Bryan Kisabeth

Jan 14th, 1936 - Oct 25th, 2026

Kenneth Bryan Kisabeth, affectionately known as “Prince,” passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 25, 2026.

Born in Plymouth, Michigan, Ken was a standout athlete at Plymouth High School. On the hardwood, Ken held the school’s scoring record (“before the 3-point line,” he would want clarified) and was known for hurling “no hitters” from the pitcher’s mound. Following high school, Ken opted to play basketball at Lawrence Technological University rather than accepting a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. While on scholarship, Ken received numerous awards and was selected to the Small College All-American Team in 1958.

After receiving his undergraduate degree in Industrial Management from Lawrence Tech, Ken started his successful career in Human Resources and Labor Relations. Staying true to his strong work ethic and character, he said that he was still getting calls to come “back to work”, right up until his passing.

Above all, Ken yearned for a family of his own. Marrying in 1981, he became husband to Joan and “Dad” to Joan’s then 5-year-old daughter, Erin, whom he loved as his own. His family was made complete with the births of his two sons, Shea and Bryan.

The center of Ken’s life was his family, and he supported them at every turn. He didn’t complain (too much) when Erin chose to attend Michigan State University and never missed a Divine Child High School sporting event for the boys. He proudly supported Shea while attending Eastern Michigan University and never missed the chance to travel to The University at Buffalo, where Bryan played football.

An active and social man, Ken loved golfing, bowling, working out, and picking up sticks in the yard. On fall Saturdays, he tailgated in Ann Arbor for the University of Michigan football games, a passion he shared with his dad, brothers and close friends. Sundays were for church at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth.

Ken was never short on a joke and was always up for telling tall tales. He loved Saturday Night Live and was a connoisseur of R-rated comedies that he had the family watch on repeat. His humor is what bridged generations, allowing him to form close bonds with many of his children’s friends and strangers alike.

Everyone who knew Ken will surely have a story about the “Prince.”

He will be missed dearly.

Ken is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Erin Krause (Michael), Shea (Annie), and Bryan (Michelle); his beloved seven grandchildren, Makayla, Collins, Kellan, Decker, Piper, Blake, and Miles; his siblings Gordon (Michelle), Gerald (Pamela), Michael (Maureen), and Barbara Shipley (Charles). He is also survived by Kathy (Declan) Minick Woods & Family, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Foster and Bertha (Debozy) Kisabeth, as well as his birthday buddy, Cole Deasley.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 5th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 47650 N Territorial Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170, until the Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m.

A rosary will be held Wednesday, November 4th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 150 Fair St., Plymouth, MI 48170

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

Active Against ALS, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or Angel’s Place.