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Kenneth C. Schuler passed away June 8, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Kenneth was born 76 years ago in Washington, Mo., a son of Carl Kenneth and Rose (Hamann) Schuler.
He was a graduate of the 1956 class of St. Francis Borgia High School.
He was awarded a basketball scholarship to Culver Stockton College, Canton, Mo. where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1960 and a Master of Education degree from Northeast Missouri State College, Kirksville, Mo., in 1966.
* In 1957, Kenneth married his high school sweetheart: Viola (Allen) Schuler, in Union, Mo. He is survived by his wife and three children: Craig Schuler of Sturgis, Ann Schuler of South Haven and Marria (Schuler) Crinion of Hudsonville; a son-in-law, Kevin Crinion and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Schuler. Five grandchildren, Rachel, Lauren and Stephenie Schuler of Sturgis; Kristin and Michael Crinion of Hudsonville. One brother survives: Larry Schuler of Washington, Mo. Also surviving are brother and sisters-in-law, Albert and Ruby Allen; Marilyn Allen; Charles Allen; Donald and Iola (Allen) Jasper, all of Missouri; nieces, nephews and many friends.
Kenneth became the Professor of Physical Education and Director of Athletics at Glen Oaks Community College, Centreville, in 1967. He enjoyed a 35-year teaching career, which included 28 years at Glen Oaks. Since Glen Oaks was newly established he developed the physical education program, created the education curriculum and implemented the Physical Fitness Center. He also coached several sports. He was well respected throughout the state for not only his coaching achievements but for his encouragement and motivation of his students to strive to excel. He always said: “Grades first-sports next.” Some of Kenneth’s awards were State Athletic Hall of Fame “Meritorious Service Award,” Faculty Senate “Road to Success” Award and Michigan Legislative “Special Tribute” upon retirement. He was inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) “Hall of Fame;” Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) “Hall of Fame” (500 wins); and Culver Stockton College Athletic Hall of Fame “Athletic Great Honoree.”
Kenneth cherished time with his family at his home on the lake. He delighted in playing cards with the same group for 20 years. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, boating, snow-skiing and attending sporting events.
The celebration of Kenneth’s life will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at Glen Oaks Community College Gymnasium in Centreville. The Rev. Steve Bean of the Sturgis Wesleyan Church will officiate. The Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-3284, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 2004 Ironwood Circle, #140, South Bend, IN 46635 or the Glen Oaks Athletic Department in Kenneth Schuler’s name, 62249 Shimmel Road, Centreville, MI 49032.
The family encourages you to please leave a special memory of Kenneth on his online guest book at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com; a selection will be made from the memories and read at his celebration of life.
