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Ken, age 82, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on August 30th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born on June 19, 1943, in Holland, MI, Ken was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was known for his deep love of family, his sharp sense of humor, and his unwavering commitment to caring for others.
Ken was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and you could often find him in his "Go Irish" gear. He later earned his law degree from St. Louis University Law School, where he began a distinguished career. Throughout his life, Ken balanced his professional success with a deep devotion to his family and community. His love for family was especially evident in cherished times spent at the beach, where unforgettable memories were made. Whether it was sharing donuts for breakfast, enjoying long movie marathons, or simply being together, Ken’s greatest joy was creating lifelong memories with those he loved most.
Ken was also actively involved in several local organizations, including the Community Foundation for the Holland/Zeeland Area (CFHZ), the Fremont Area Community Foundation, and he proudly served as treasurer for Cascade Charter Township. His leadership and contributions helped strengthen the community he loved, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Jill; his children, Tracey (Michael) West, Christopher (Renee) Peirce, and Andrew (Patricia) Peirce; his grandchildren, Kyle Peirce, Leah (Caleb) Joy, Emily Peirce, Hannah Peirce, Kaiden Peirce, and Ella Peirce; his sister, Anne Brennan; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rod and Kathy Bolhous; and several nieces and nephews.
The family invites you to join them for a visitation on Friday, October 3rd , from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. If you are unable to attend, the family encourages you to take a moment to remember Ken and reflect on his deep love for family, his wonderful sense of humor, and his selfless contributions to the community. There will be a private service for Ken at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Van Andel Research Institute, the Parkinson's Foundation, or Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Corewell Hospice Team for their compassionate care.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth B. Peirce, please visit our floral store.
Van Andel Institute - Parkinson's Disease Research
333 Bostwick Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids MI 49503
Tel: 1-616-234-5000
Web: https://www.vai.org/research/collaborations/parkinsons-center/
Corewell Health Hospice
25 Michigan St. Suite 4100, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Web: http://www.corewellhealth.org
Parkinson's Foundation
5757 Waterford District Dr. Suite 310, Miami FL 33126
Tel: 1-800-473-4636
Web: https://www.parkinson.org/