Edward J. Fekken, age 85, passed away peacefully at the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence on August 22, 2026. He was born November 24, 1940 in Shelby, Michigan, to Jacob and Jeanette (Pranger) Fekken.
Ed attended Shelby High School, where he met Arlene Timmer. On November 11, 1960, they were married in New Era, Michigan. They shared 65 loving years together. Ed and Arlene enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. during their retirement years, but their favorite destination was their home in the Southern Charm Community in Zephyrhills, Florida, where they spent the winter months for over 10 years. During their time at Southern Charm, Ed and Arlene made many special friends and enjoyed the activities of the park.
Ed was an unassuming, quiet man of faith, a hard worker, loyal and devoted to his family above all else. His wife, daughters, and later his grandchildren and great-granddaughters were his greatest source of joy and pride. Ed was a lifelong member of the New Era Reformed Church, where he served as Deacon. Ed spent 39 years working at Shaw Walker in Muskegon, Michigan, and took great pride in his work building office furniture. For many years, Ed also farmed asparagus and cherries. In his retirement, Ed secured his contractor's license and did much of the work building the home in which he and Arlene resided. Ed was a handyman in every sense of the word. If it was broken, he would either know or figure out how to fix it. In his younger years, Ed enjoyed bowling leagues, while pool became his favorite pastime in later life.
Edward will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Arlene; daughters, Joan Vincent and Diane (Duane) Kalchik; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Maria) Salisbury, Matthew Kalchik and Hannah Kalchik; and great-granddaughters, Alice Salisbury and Eleanor Salisbury.
Edward was preceded in death by: his parents Jacob and Jeanette Fekken; brothers, Howard Fekken and Leroy Fekken; and daughter, Lisa Fekken.
A private, family graveside service will be held with interment at the New Era, Michigan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence, 2065 E. Mt. Garfield Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444 or to the New Era Reformed Church Mission Fund, 4775 1st St., New Era, MI 49446.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting with arrangements. harrisfhome.com
