We gather here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable man, Kenneth Ralph Schaber, born on January 26, 1939, in Buchanan, Michigan. Kenneth was an adventurous soul, his spirit as fiery and vibrant as the pottery kilns he so lovingly tended. His life’s journey may have ended on February 1, 2024, but his legacy continues to kindle the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.
Kenneth was a man of many talents, from his service in the Marine Corps to his 39-year tenure as an Art Teacher at Lake Michigan College. His creativity was boundless, dipping into various cultures and experiences at Burning Man in Nevada; also as he lived in places as diverse as Puerto Rico and California before returning to his beloved hometown, Buchanan. He also enjoyed spending his summers at his cabin up north on Lake Superior. Kenneth was a graduate of Buchanan High School, Ball State University, and the prestigious Notre Dame, where he earned a Master’s in Fine Arts. He was an unstoppable force, pouring his heart and soul into his pottery. His works were not just pieces of clay, but stories molded by his hands, each a testament to his journey. His adventurous spirit was evident in his travels to Mexico and South America, and the stories he told were as captivating as the man himself.
Kenneth’s life was not solely about his accomplishments; he was a beloved brother and uncle, a cherished friend and mentor. He is survived by his sister, Wanda Middlebrook and her husband Michael; his brother, Charles Schaber; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Jonathan Baab, Heather Loftus, Susan Tamulaitis, Keri Shearer, and Ralph Schaber: and his cat, El Nino. He is reunited in death with his father, Ralph Schaber; mother, Vera Schaber-Hutchison; and his son, Caleb Schaber.
Kenneth Schaber’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 1:00pm EST, at the farm in Buchanan, MI. As we remember Kenneth, we invite all friends and family to share their memories of this extraordinary man on his memorial page. Upload photos, share stories, and honor the memory of the adventurous, creative, and talented Kenneth Schaber, whose life was a masterpiece in itself.
Memorial donations in memory of Kenneth may be made to Marine Corp League, 539 Parry St., South Bend, IN 46617 or Roti Roti Art Center, 117 W. Front St., Buchanan, MI 49107.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.