Kenneth Green

Green, Kenneth M. "Kenny" - Age 89, died peacefully on February 16, 2015. Mr Green was born in Flint, MI on December 26, 1925. Ken attended the Flint Schools and graduated as a Flint Northern Viking in 1944. He served in the infantry and was awarded a Combat Infantryman's badge, a Purple Heart with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and a Bronze Star. Most recently Mr. Green was awarded the prestigious French Legion of Honor medal from the Republic of France as a wounded WWII vet serving as one of the Ironmen of Metz. However, Mr. Green was most proud of the fact that he never earned a Good Conduct Medal! Ken earned his undergraduate B.A. degree from Eastern Michigan University and earned his M.A. degree from the University of Michigan. In 1950 Ken & the lovely and talented Jean Kaplan eloped and were married on March 11, and soon would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Mr. Green might have been your favorite teacher at Whittier, Central or Southwestern prior to becoming a Flint School administrator. He completed his academic career by serving 17 years as the Director of Pupil Personnel for the Flint Community Schools. Ken also served as President of the Congress of Flint School Administrators, President of the Tri-State Pupil Personnel Conference, Chairman of the Flint Mass Transit Authority and Chairperson of the Governor's Task Force on School Violence. He served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers, was a member of the Michigan Sports Sages and was a charter member of the Valley Coney Island Saturday morning "Oatmeal Gang". Kenny is a member of the Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame as staff on the Flint Central 1958 All State football team and in 2010 Ken was inducted as Faculty to the Flint Central Hall of Fame. Mr. Green served as an officer for the Flint Area School Employees Credit Union starting 1969 His tenure as an officer at the Credit Union was one of the longest in the history of the organization, and he continued to serve as Director Emeritus. Ken was very proud of his long service to the Flint Area School Employees Credit Union, his service to the Flint Community Schools and his long standing involvement in the Flint Jewish community. Ken championed lots of loans to deserving credit union members and helped to guide many kids throughout their Flint School days. He was a friend to all as he assisted many of his peers to enhance their careers within the School District. Kenny spent many marvelous summers at the family cottage on Wiggins Lake in Gladwin Michigan. He enjoyed serving as waterfront director and golfing many rounds at Gladwin Heights Golf Club where he and Big Bob Diment were league champions! Mr. Green is survived by his devoted wife, Jean; his sons, Jim and wife Peggy of Grand Ledge, MI and Bill and wife Carmen of Scotts, MI; his grandchildren, Rebbeca Struble and husband Jason of Dorr, MI, Lindsay Green of Chicago, IL, Gianna Balazs and husband Rodney of Scotts, MI, Christopher Porter; as well as 4 great grandchildren, Carson, Colin, Grant and Gabbi. Also surviving are nieces & nephews; Susan Libby of Berkley, CA, Dr. Peter Libby of Boston, MA, Dr. Lisa Braun Glazer of Lajolla, CA and Wendy Braun Daly of Flint, MI. Ken was predeceased in death by his son, Michael Vann Green in 1995; his parents, William and Ida Green and his sister, Vivian Lebkitz. Many thanks to special friend and primary caregiver, Laurie Heath from Owosso. At the family's request there will be a private burial service at Machpelah Cemetery. The family is planning a memorial gathering to be announced later this spring. Charitable contributions may be made in memory of Kenny to Congregation Beth Israel, G-5420 Calkins Rd., Flint, MI 48532