Kenneth James Lillie

BESSEMER, Mich.- Kenneth James Lillie, 51, of Bessemer, formerly of Marenisco, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, at his home.

Ken was born on May 25, 1963, in Wakefield, a son of Darlene C. (Mattila) Lillie and Patrick Larry Lillie Sr. He attended Marenisco High School and graduated in 1981.

Ken proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years, and was honorably discharged on April 15, 1986.

He was a logger, worked for Norco Windows in Marenisco, and was employed by the city of Bessemer as a mechanic.

Ken was happiest when he was outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, trapper, bear guide and just enjoyed nature.

He took pleasure in camping with his family and for many years took survival trips in the woods with his daughter, Amber.

Ken loved sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with his family and friends, who had many great adventures with him. Ken was especially proud when they caught the biggest fish or bagged the largest buck.

He was a talented lyric and song writer and shared them with everyone.

Ken was a volunteer fireman for the city of Bessemer and at one time served on the Bessemer City Council.

On March 19, 1990, he was united in marriage to Annette V. Frello in Las Vegas, Nev.

Ken is survived by his wife, Annette; two daughters, Amber Lillie, Wausau, Wis., and Francesca Lillie, Bessemer; his mother, Darlene Lillie, Strongsville, Ohio; a brother, David (Kasey) Lillie, Merriweather; a sister, LoriLee Stein, Strongsville; his sister-in-law, Tammy Lillie-Manchester, Marenisco; three brothers-in-law, John (Donna) Frello, Bessemer, Robert Frello, Lino Lakes, Minn., and Dennis (Jackie) Frello, Bessemer; his former wife, Barbara Bolton, Wausau, Wis .; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Pat Sr., on March 12, 2009; a brother, Patrick Larry Lillie Jr., on Feb. 3, 1992; his mother-in-law, Esia (Profilli) Frello, on Nov. 19, 2006; and his father-in-law, Mathew J. Frello, on Aug. 25, 2014.

At Ken's request, cremation has taken place.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with Ken's uncle, Dennis Mattila, officiating.

Military rites will take place at the funeral home under the auspices of Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served at the Bessemer VFW Post 3673 following the service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.