Obituary for Kenneth Victor Schrauben

Kenneth V. Schrauben, age 83, of Portland devoted father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and friend went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on October 11, 2024.

He was born on July 24, 1941 in Riley Township the son of Herman and Bertha (Trierweiler) Schrauben Sr. Ken was a member of Knights of Columbus #2168, the Bowling Hall of Fame, and St. Patrick Church in Portland. After high school, he attended the Flint Institute of Barbering and began his career cutting hair in downtown Portland for 12 years. He purchased the Wagon Wheel with his brother Herm, Jr. in 1972, which they owned and operated together until 1984.  

After retiring Ken had a variety of different jobs but mostly he enjoyed helping others, visiting those who needed a smile, a laugh or someone to just listen. Ken loved to sing and dance, especially to Elvis. He loved hunting and camping, spending summers on Lake Michigan and was named the “unofficial mayor” at Pioneer Park. He and Donna enjoyed wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama for many years.

He married his high school sweetheart, Donna on September 8, 1962, and raised three children together. He was always present with a loving hug, words of encouragement or a joke to lighten the mood. He loved his family more than anything. He made friends with everyone he met and was beloved by many for his wit, sense of humor, and caring and generous heart.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Herm, Jr. Schrauben and Jerry Schrauben; sisters, Bernie Fitzmaurice and Janet Sutherland; in-laws, Clarence and Agnes Hahn; brother-in-law, Roy Pung.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Donna; children, Cynthia (Mike) Ward, Pamela (Terry) Blundy and Kenneth (Angela) Schrauben; grandchildren, Amanda (Dan) Bruce, Ashley (Steven) Reuther, Tayler (Rachel) Thelen, Michael (Aricca) Thelen, Kaitlin (Seth) Thrasher and Sarah (Sam) Sibula, Samantha Schrauben (Johnathan Zimmer), Alexandra Schrauben and David Schrauben; great grandchildren, Alex and Ayden May, Brighton and Sullivan Thrasher, Nolan Sibula; brothers, Roy “Butch” (Carolyn) Schrauben and Mike (Bobbi) Schrauben; sisters-in-law, Rita Schrauben, Carole Schrauben, Kathy (Paul) Verska and Charlene Pung; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and very close friends, Jim and Dee Leik.

The Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Charles Hall at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, October 17, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. The rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. with visitation following until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St. Portland. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Al and Carla Schrauben Athletic Fund or the Father Flohe Foundation in memory of Ken. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.