Kenneth Earl Machata

Kenneth Earl Machata, 86, of Marshall, Michigan passed away peacefully on Friday, October 14, 2022, with family by his side.  Ken was born June 4, 1936, to Anton Machata Jr. and Helen (Danda) Machata.  Ken grew up in Cicero, Illinois.  As a young boy he joined the Boy Scouts of America.  He worked for and earned the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of The Arrow.  He held many fond memories of attending the National Jamboree in 1950 at Valley Forge.  Among those memories was the time that President Harry S. Truman spoke to the scouts there.

After graduating from Morton High School, he enrolled at the University of Illinois. He attended one year and then transferred to Western Michigan in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  He graduated in June of 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.  He went back in the fall to earn his teaching certificate.

On February 14, 1959, he married Virginia Lou Tufts from River Forest, Illinois.  After obtaining his teaching certificate they moved to Marshall, Michigan where he began teaching math at Marshall High School.  He earned his master’s degree in 1965.  Sadly, Virginia passed suddenly on April 16, 1966.  Ken and their two daughters survived her.  On June 22, 1968, Ken married Roberta (Bobbi) Smith who also taught at Marshall High School.  Their son was born April 24, 1971.

Ken was part of the painting crew who worked for the Marshall school system in the summer painting a different school each year.  They started a tradition of meeting for breakfast every Wednesday before work all year round and continued the tradition into the retirement years, just not so early.

Ken really loved being a spectator dad and grandpa whether from the bleachers or along the sidelines.  Ken loved teaching and helping his students.  His favorite subject to teach was Geometry even though he disliked it when he had to take it in high school.  Ken retired in June of 1999 after teaching 39-1/2 years.  Ken was a past 50 plus year member of the Presbyterian Church in Marshall, a lifetime member of the Michigan Education Association and a member of Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel.

Ken is survived by his wife, Bobbi, daughter Amy (Rob) Ream of Traverse City, granddaughters Ondrea Virginia Ream and Sarah Elizabeth Ream of Traverse City, son Kevin of Saginaw, his sister Carol (Norm) Alexander of Jupiter, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Parents Anton and Helen Machata, his first wife Virginia, infant daughter Robin Scott, and daughter Pamela Sue.

Services have been entrusted with Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068. Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm. Pastor Steve Brown of South Jackson Community Church will officiate.  A private committal service will follow at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation in Ken’s name be given to the Fountain Clinic (111 N. Jefferson St.  #1, Marshall, Michigan 49068) or the Marshall Area Community Services (111 N. Jefferson St. Marshall, Michigan 49068).

Please visit https://ww.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.