Kenneth Brouwer

Kenneth “Big Ken” Brouwer passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. He will be cremated per his wishes with no services.

Big Ken was born on January 28, 1929 in Muskegon, MI to Nellie (Fielstra) and George Brouwer. After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1947, Ken completed his bricklayer’s apprenticeship, married Jean Jackson on August 24, 1951 and entered the U.S. Army (during the Korean Conflict) shortly thereafter.

Ken was an accomplished contractor and bricklayer by trade and was a lifelong member of both the Bricklayer’s Local #9 and the B.P.O.E. Lodge #274 of Muskegon, Michigan. Ultimately, Ken joined Muskegon Public Schools as their Director of Buildings and Grounds and served in that role until retiring in 1990. In retirement, Ken and his loving wife Jean moved to Clearwater, FL where they lived happily until moving to West Des Moines, Iowa four years ago.

Big Ken always loved the water and as a young boy he spent many days swimming and fishing in Lake Michigan. During his career he lived on the water in Spring Lake, Michigan for 24 years and in retirement he thoroughly enjoyed life in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. In recent years Ken actively enjoyed woodworking, home improvement projects and spending time with his friends and family in West Des Moines, Iowa. He will be remembered for his drive, positive attitude and his strong desire to help others at every opportunity.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Jean and son, Kenneth L. Brouwer, Jr. (Anita Chastain) of West Des Moines, Iowa; grandson, Matthew (Jessie) Brouwer and their son, Hartley (Ken’s great-grandson) of Plymouth, Minnesota; and granddaughter, Kelsey Brouwer of Franklin, Tennessee.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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