As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Kenneth Gerald Simila, age 88, of Hancock, passed away on November 6, 2025.
Kenneth was born in Mohawk, Michigan on July 15, 1937, the son of Claudia and Eino Simila. He graduated from Calumet High School in 1959.
Kenneth married Carole Pekkala on May 14, 1960, and in 1963, they moved to Marquette after having their only son Kevin Gerald Simila.
Kenneth started his career as a diesel mechanic, but he was called on to help others. He pivoted his career and went to college for social work. He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1987 with an associate’s degree and later went on to National Louis University in Tampa, earning a bachelor’s degree in behavior science in 1994. He also obtained additional certification: Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory Level 1 (SASSI). He enjoyed his time as a behavioral health therapist.
In his free time he enjoyed being active in his local church. He enjoyed ushering, filling backpacks for children in need and supporting different groups the church offered. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and fishing whenever he got the chance.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, sister Geraldine and brother Robert. Kenneth was survived by two of his brothers, Tommy and Ronnie and his sister Rita, wife Carole, son Kevin and daughter-in-law Lisa; Four grandchildren, Jessica, Justin, Andrew and Tyler; along with 7 great grandchildren, Jordan, Madison, Nicole, Marlize, Austin, Natalie and Ethan; along with nieces, nephews and cousins,
The funeral will take place at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell at 12noon on Wednesday November 12, 2025. The visitation will begin at 11 am and the funeral service will begin at noon.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in his name.
To view Kenneth’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Chassell Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.
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