Kenneth Joseph Kuna was born on August 22, 1946, and passed away on February 26, 2025, after courageously battling Parkinson’s disease for many years. Ken was preceded in death by his father, James Kuna; mother, Rose Rovensky Kuna; and brothers, James and Robert Kuna. He leaves behind his sisters, Kathleen Kuna Gilbert (Steven) and Kristine Kuna Beaudette (Robert); his wife, Kathleen Wingle Gannon Kuna; and his former wife, Mary Lynn Snow Kuna Walsh. He is also survived by his children, Alicia Kuna (David Beauvais) and Randall Kuna; stepchildren, Jennifer Gannon Bogner (Thomas) and Brian Gannon (Darlene); and grandchildren, Kaylie Heilig, Keaton Bogner, Colin Bogner, Luke Gannon, Parker Gannon, Coral Beauvais, Dylan Kuna, Addison Gannon, and Keegan Kuna. Ken was born in Chicago and grew up in the Gage Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side. He attended Saint Simon Grade School before graduating with honors from Saint Philip Basilica High School in 1964. In the fall of that year, he enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied ceramic engineering in the College of Engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a Master of Science in ceramic engineering in December 1969. Ken began his career at Ford Motor Company in September 1969 at the Lincoln Park, MI Glass Tech Center. Over the years, he advanced through a variety of plant and staff assignments within the Glass Division, including roles in Nashville, TN, and Niagara Falls, ONT. In May 1977, he earned an MBA from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In 1993, Ken was appointed general manufacturing manager of the Glass Division, and in 1996, he led a special project to improve automotive design and engineering in terms of cost, quality, and efficiency. He retired from Ford in 1998. After a brief break, Ken joined Delta USA in Monroe, MI, the U.S. subsidiary of Delta Kogyo, Hiroshima, Japan, where he served as senior vice president of sales and manufacturing. When Delta Kogyo sold the company to Lear Corporation in 2006, Ken played a key role as a member of the transition team. In 2007, Ken joined the staff at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he served as associate dean in the School of Business, focusing on external relations. He built strong connections with businesses, helped develop graduate-level courses in business turnaround management, and served as the development officer for the college. He retired from the university in 2014. While Ken had an accomplished career, he believed that no achievement was ever accomplished alone. Beyond his professional life, Ken found joy in meaningful relationships with family and friends, celebrating traditions, events, and milestones. He was an active member of his church community and volunteered with SCORE, helping small startup companies navigate challenges. His hobbies included cycling, photography, reading, world travel, and cheering for Illinois and Michigan sports teams. Ken’s passing leaves a void in our lives, but his spirit remains with all who knew and loved him. Join the family for a memorial gathering Thursday, March 6th, 2:30-8 p.m., with a time of sharing memories at 6 p.m., Keehn-Griffin Funeral Home, 706 W. Main St., Brighton. Memorial visitation will take place Friday, March 7th, 10-11 a.m., St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 2201 S Old US 23, Brighton, until time of the Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph Church, St. Vincent dePaul, 440 E. Washington St., Howell, MI 48843. Share your condolences or special memories with the family on Kenneth's Guestbook page.
