Kenneth Scholten

January 8, 1954 ~
December 26, 2020

Kenneth (Ken) Scholten, age 66, loving husband, father, and friend left us too early on Saturday, December 26, 2020. He was born on January 8, 1954, and raised in Cutlerville, Michigan. Ken attended Calvin College and Wayne State University graduating with a degree in physical therapy. After being a practicing physical therapist, he moved into various leadership roles eventually retiring as President of Alliance Physical Therapy Partners. Ken’s life was easily described as “abundant”. He married his best friend Carol (Meindertsma) on August 13,1977 and made sure his love for her was never hidden. He was the planner of many adventures both near and across the globe. Destinations were never as important as making memories with his fellow travelers. He was in his element when he could be hunting or fishing. Ken unselfishly gave of himself and wanted those in his life to know how much he loved and thought of them. This took a lot of different forms, from phone calls to handwritten notes, visits, or gifts. He cared deeply about his relationships both with God and with the people in his life. Ken is preceded by his mother, Geraldine Scholten and father-in-law John Meindertsma. Ken is survived by his best friend and wife of 43 years, Carol Scholten. Together they raised three children, Luke (Melissa) Scholten, Joseph (Tara) Scholten, and Kendra (Grant) Young. He is also survived by his father, Edward Scholten, sister Barb DeBlecourt, sister, Joan Scholten, and brother, Chad (Stacey) Scholten. Ken was a proud “Papa” to ten grandchildren: Aletta, Eli, Lucy, Wren, Ella, Ian, Ezra, Gideon, Judah and Caleb. Also survived by his mother-in-law, Muriel Meindertsma, brothers and sisters-in-law, Len and Kathy Troast, and Jim and Kathy Meindertsma. Ken was so much more than just an uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, December 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Second Church. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 31st, 2020, at Second Church, 6950 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, MI 49401. A live stream access will also be available at Kenneth Scholten Funeral Service. Social distanced seating is provided in the church and use of facial coverings outside of the sanctuary during the funeral service and during the visitation is requested. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Allendale Christian School Foundation. Interment will be at a family cemetery in Arlene, MI. Ken consistently demonstrated a servant’s heart. If a family member or friend needed something, Ken was often both a “first call” and provider of a hug, kind word, helping hand, or sound advice. It is safe to say that Ken’s abundant life is second only to how much he will be missed by those whose lives he touched.

Visitation: Wednesday, December 30 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Visitation
Wednesday, December 30
5:00pm - 8:00pm

Second Church
6950 Lake Michigan Dr.
Allendale, MI 49401
Get Directions

Funeral Service: Thursday, December 31 | 11:00am

Funeral Service
Thursday, December 31
11:00am

Second Church
6950 Lake Michigan Dr.
Allendale, MI 49401
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 07, 2022

Dear Carol and family, I had the privilege of working with Ken at Agility Health. I did not know he had passed into his Father's arms until now. He was such a kind, and thoughtful man. I pray God is carrying you through this difficult time.

- Linda Sarber

January 10, 2021

Dear Carol: I was so saddened and shocked to hear of Ken's passing. He was such a special man and friend to so many people. He was my mentor in GNA and I learned so much from him. I know he touched many other's lives and careers after me and will be sorely missed. Blessings to you and your family. Cheryl and Pete Dix

- Cheryl Dix

January 10, 2021

So sad to hear of Ken’s untimely passing. I first got to know Ken when he was part of Gary Nederveld’s mgt team in 1990. He was a kind, gentle and highly capable leader and a man I very much admired. We kept in touch and Ken’s company helped us tremendously at Glacier Hills.My last contact with Ken was probably five years ago before I retired from the senior living sector. I wish the family great memories and peaceful hearts as you heal.

- Ray Rabidoux

January 06, 2021

To Carol and the Scholten family, I am so sorry to hear about Ken's passing. I want you to know that I will always remember how kind, considerate and caring Ken was to me when I arrived in this country at 22 yrs old, a newly graduated PT! I worked under Ken with GNA for many years and loved every minute of it. I will always remember how much fun and joy it gave me to show him my hometown of Cape Town so many years ago. I am so grateful that I reconnected with both of you last summer. I am truly honored to have met Ken. Nicky

- Nicky Snyman

January 05, 2021

I had the privilege of working with Ken for a short number of years, and during that time, I realized that Ken was someone that I wanted to be just like when I grew up. One time Ken told me that he wanted to keep learning, keep growing as a person, so he decided to use his mouse by his computer with his non-dominant hand. He never wanted his mind to get old! I was inspired by this man of God who never quit learning, always took time to stop by and say hello, and who one time even tried to set me up on a date! What a guy. He will certainly be missed.

- Allison L Kleinsasser

January 04, 2021

Ken was such a kind, loving man who went above and beyond to let people know he cared about them. I had the the pleasure of working with him for only a few years at Agility Health/Alliance but he impacted me greatly. He always took time to talk with me and was so interested in my family and what was going on my life. I will never forget the day he took my hand and prayed with me when my sister was very ill. He was a great example of being the hands and feet of Christ. I feel blessed to have known him. I am praying for you all that you will feel God's peace and comfort.

- Robyn Bredeweg

December 31, 2020

Carol, Luke, Joe, Kendra & Family, Ken was such a special person. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a beautiful smile and a loving & kind heart. He was a man of faith who loved his God. He also loved his wife and his family. He will be missed. We are so sorry for the loss of this special man. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Steve & Lisa Davidson

- Lisa & Steve Davidson

December 31, 2020

Dear Carol and family I was in shock when I saw that Ken died we only spent a couple summer at the cottage on Selkirk lake when our kids were young. We have a lot of memories good ones and fun. Please know that you are being thought about and prayed for everyday by me. God Is with us through all. The DeRuiter family (Jessica DeVos)

- jessica r deruiter

December 31, 2020

My deepest condolences to the Scholten family. It was a privilege to know him, he was one of the best people I knew. I truly enjoyed working with him. I will really miss our conversations. We often spoke about the gift of time spent with loved ones. He frequently spoke about how much he enjoyed being with his family. I pray for the repose of his soul, and that his family find some comfort during this tremendous loss. Rest In Peace Ken.

- Christa Bringas

December 31, 2020

It was with true sadness to hear of the passing of Ken. Ken was loved and held in the highest regard by everyone at Agility Health / Alliance Physical Therapy Partners and the many people he met throughout his long and esteemed career. Ken will be remembered by everyone he met for his true kindness, caring disposition, unbounding positivity and love. Both personally, and on behalf of his former colleagues at Agility / Alliance I wish my sincerest condolences and heartfelt thoughts to Carol and the entire family during this most difficult time. Richard Leaver

- Richard Leaver

December 31, 2020

Words cannot express the sorrow and sadness we feel at the all too soon passing of Ken. His kindness, generosity and friendship will be greatly missed. Please accept our deepest condolences for your families loss and know that we are thinking of you. The Trautmann family hearts are with you and your family, and we hope that the many wonderful memories you and the family will always have, will comfort you.

- Trautmann Family (Bernie, Ann, Kyle and Julia)

December 30, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Scholten family on Ken’s passing. Ken’s faith in our Lord was evident in his walk during his time here on earth and certainly when he spoke. He loved his family as was evident in the stories he shared about all of them. Ken and his impact will be missed but not forgotten.

- Mark Boncser

December 30, 2020

Dear Carol and Scholten family, I was terribly sorry to here of Ken's passing. May our Lord give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of Kenny, ( that's what I always called him). He and I met in college and became fast friends; even standing up in each others' weddings. We persevered through school and our friendship grew through the years. Ken always made you feel like you were the most important person in the world no matter who you were. Because of distance and busy schedules we didn't see each other often enough, but when we did see each other or even spoke on the phone, it was like we'd just seen each other yesterday. I loved Kenny like a brother. I admired him as a businessman and more importantly as a good man. We have lost a man of compassion, integrity and good humor, and we are all better for having known such a wonderful guy. He will be greatly missed.

- Dave Gilboe

December 30, 2020

Carol, may our Heavenly Father fill you to overflowing with his perfect peace love and understanding. Ken and I spoke on Wednesday December 23rd to catch up and share with each other our struggles as elders in both our church families dealing with Covid and the issues associated with the heartache it has created. Ken was a true friend and his faith and his love was always shown in his actions. His faith, he shared with me over the past many years during our many conversations has been influential to my faith growth with my family, friends and even strangers! May God reach out and fill you with his perfect healing love and keep you all safely in his hands now and always. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this time. Dave and Lisa Lutz

- Dave Lutz

December 30, 2020

What a gift Ken had for remembering acquaintances!! We did not know him well but talked with him several times at the rodeo. Always happy to see us! What a beautiful legacy and tribute to a Godly man!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. -Pete and Cheri Byma (Rachel Hoekwater's parents)

- Cheri Byma

December 30, 2020

Carol, please know that you and your family are in our prayers. He was someone I always looked forward to seeing at our meetings. He always met people with a warm smile. Such a beautiful tribute you have shared with us. I hope there is some comfort in knowing he touched so many people and we share your sadness. Greg Greg

- Greg and Caroline Reintjes

December 30, 2020

Carol and family, so sad to have heard the news of Ken’s passing. What a shock. He was such a special man that we became friends with over the past several years on our trips afar. Very, kind, gentle and such a wonderful man. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to you Carol and family. Hugs! Chuck and Lori Holmquist

- Chuck and Lori Holmquist

December 29, 2020

Dear Scholtens, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are all in my prayers during this difficult time. May God give you peace and courage as you remember him.

- Heather (Krikke) Butler

December 29, 2020

Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences on Ken's passing. Ken built a beautiful company. He truly had a servant leadership mentality. It was an honor to work with him! He will always be fondly remembered. May he rest in peace.

- Elena Kohn

December 29, 2020

What a wonderful man! I will treasure the times we had conversations, he ...usually at sporting events or weddings....Ken was always a joy to talk with. To the Scholten family: your precious husband, dad, and grandfather IS very much alive and rejoicing in heaven right now...and you will see him again, and when you do, there will be no more goodbyes. We are praying for you!

- Pete and Mary Visser

December 29, 2020

Dear Scholten Family, My heart goes out to you over the loss of your husband and father. I first met Ken in a professional capacity and soon become lucky enough to call him my friend. I have had the privilege of being friends and professional colleagues with Ken for over 15 years. And, while there are many memories I would like to share with you, today I will just share two. I offer these two examples of Ken’s genuine nature and caring for others before himself. • Years ago after finishing a business lunch with Ken he asked about my children and in my update was the fact that my son would be attending GVSU in the fall. After our meeting, before I got into my car Ken approached me and handed me his business card. Written on the back of the card was his personal phone number and he said “Dave, if your son ever has an emergency or even a dead battery I am only minutes away, have him call me anytime and I can be there faster than you”, we ended up never needing to call Ken. However, I have never forgotten his kindness and now make the same gesture and think about my friend Ken. Thank you. • When I last saw Ken he wanted to discuss the merits of a new product and service he was thinking about lending his name too. After the short presentation we spent the rest of our time catching up with one another. When it was my turn to ask Ken about how he was enjoying retirement he shared with me what he called his new goal. He said to me, “his new goal was to be able to enjoy, no matter where or when, every possible slow dance with his wife Carol.” In closing, I would like to say that Ken lived an authentic life and taught many of us how to better love and care for one another in an imperfect world. Let’s follow Ken’s lead.

- David Herbel

December 29, 2020

We grieve, but not as those without hope. My condolences on Ken's passing. May you cherish your memories and find peace and comfort. He was an inspiration to many and made the world a better place. I am better for having known him, even if only for a brief while.

- Jonathan Fennell

December 29, 2020

I had the privilege of serving on the Unity Board with Ken, and found him to be a first-rate thinker and an exceptional man. I'm saddened to learn of his passing. My deep sympathies to Carol and the entire Scholten family.

- David Baatenburg

December 29, 2020

Ken was an exceptional person and an example of how to live. I'm so thankful to have known Ken and that he accepted to be my faith mentor. Years ago, he gifted me an inscription of Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." which I still see everyday and will always remember Ken by, but also his example of servant leadership. Truly missed and we are all praying for you Carol and family. You are not alone in this great loss.

- Ted Worst

December 29, 2020

Carol, Luke, Joe, Kendra Our entire family are beyond words for expressing the sorrow in our hearts for Kens sudden passing. We’re not expressing anything you don’t already know but resting on the assurance that God promises an eternal home for his believers to be reunited is the only hope we have when death from this life comes without notice. We will pray that you can relish in Kens memories until our final day allows us to hold hands with our loved ones forever.

- Bob & Nancy Koorndyk

December 29, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are a big part of this sad time. We have many, many great memories of Ken and his family - especially at Second Church of Allendale.

- Robert and Rose Bosch

December 29, 2020

Carol you have my sympathy. I would be there if it weren’t for the fact Jim and I are in Florida. After 10 plus years of walking together 3 mornings a week I feel like I know Ken very well even though only meeting him maybe twice. I know how much you are going to miss him and how he was your best friend. Hugs

- Diane Stuck

December 29, 2020

I had the privilege to meet Ken when I was a board member of Agility and he was such a nice person, always ready to help the ones who were in needs. He will be missed and consider myself lucky to have known him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

- Pierre Labbe

December 29, 2020

Ken was such a friendly and hospitable guy. Friendly and easy to talk to. When our family joined our church a couple years ago, he sought us out each week and drew even my quiet guys into conversation. He was so caring. I’ll never forget his great sense of humor. When he stood in front to welcome our family to church publicly, he told the congregation we were armed and ready to protect the western front if Wisconsin ever attacked. 😁. He will be so missed by our family and so many others. I’ll be praying for Carol and your family during this time. Much love and heartfelt prayers!

- Karina Schebor

December 28, 2020

Growing up, I knew Ken as a family friend and loved spending time at their house from time to time. Then I had the privilege of babysitting Carol and his three incredible kids. Over the past few years, Ken has loved on Brent and I by checking in on us with phone calls and conversations in person. He was always a great listener, man of wisdom, encourager, and had a great sense of humor as well. You always felt good after spending any amount of time with him. I will miss him dearly. Prayers for all those who are deeply missing this incredible guy. Looking forward to the day where there are no more goodbyes or heartache.

- Allison Miedema

December 28, 2020

Carol and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was the absolute heart and soul of Agility Health. He came through the office every morning saying hello and specifically asking and caring about us and our families. He was an absolute gift and I will always be thankful for his kind and sincere heart, I am a better person for having known him. I’m praying for all of you and know that’s he’s God’s right hand man. My love to all of you.

- Amy VanWagoner

December 28, 2020

About 3 years ago after a men's bible study Ken approached me and said that he wasnt getting any younger and needed some young men "in his corner". I had been feeling a nudge from God to talk to Ken about starting a friendship with him as well. Ever since then Ken has been such an incredible friend to me. He has cooked meals for me, shared beers with me, sat by many fires, grieved with me, he gave me the gift of time and encouragement, stopped by to say hi, called me Monday mornings to say he was thinking of me and praying for me, and treated me like I was his son. Ken was an amazing man. I have notes from my discussions with him so that I can be a better man. Ken, I loved you like a father. Enjoy heaven and I will see you again soon.

- Josh Vandermolen

December 28, 2020

Every good thing said about Ken is true , and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him . He helped our family in a time of crisis 20 years ago and none of us will ever forget it .

- Joe VanderSchuur

December 28, 2020

We did not know Ken well, but whenever we did see him he greeted us like old friends! He was family to our son and daughter in law and will be deeply missed! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers!

- Paul and Jan Rivera

December 28, 2020

I was blessed to have worked for Ken for over two decades and am so saddenes to hear of his passing. The beautiful tribute to his life was a great description of the man I knew. Peace to all who loved him most.

- Marie Jarrell