Kenneth Paul Pilarski Jr., 54, passed away on November 7, 2024, in Bullhead City, Arizona. Diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in June 2022, Ken faced every challenge with remarkable strength, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. He took his final walk and passed peacefully in the arms of his wife and daughter.
Born on December 7, 1969, in Flint, Michigan, Ken was the son of the late Kenneth Pilarski Sr. and Kathleen (Lamson) Pilarski. He began working in the flooring industry at just 15 years old, learning the trade from his father and grandfather. Over the years, he built a reputation for his craftsmanship, resourcefulness, and willingness to help others.
At 16, Ken met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Tina (Hudkins). Their bond was one that others admired-a deep, enduring love built on friendship, loyalty, and laughter. Their life together was centered around family, and Ken took immense pride in their children: Brittany, Samantha, and Kenny.
Known as a “gentle giant” with a sarcastic sense of humor, Ken had a heart as big as his stature. Whether he was building sets for school plays, cheering from the sidelines at his kids’ sporting events, or stepping up to volunteer in the community, Ken was always there-quietly generous and steady in his support.
An avid outdoorsman, Ken found joy in hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He unexpectedly discovered a passion for beekeeping, which became his peaceful retreat. In recent years, he and Tina embraced adventure, traveling the country in their RV and living life to the fullest-right up until the very end.
Ken was larger than life in every way-a leader, teacher, craftsman, outdoorsman, and, above all, a devoted family man. His family was his greatest pride, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. He also cherished his role as “Papa” to his little one, Saylor Berger.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Tina Pilarski; his children, Brittany & Brandon Henderson, Samantha & Kylee Berger, and Kenny Pilarski; his granddaughter, Saylor Berger; his mother, Kathleen (Pilarski) Luer; stepfather, Garth Luer; sisters, Kerry Pilarski and Kelly Pilarski; his cherished friends, Frank Wegner, Chris July, and Jim Withers; and many other dear friends, in-laws, and extended family members who will carry his memory forward.
A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on May 17, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 404 N. Dayton St., Davison, MI. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the Rosary at 11:30 AM, and the Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Andrew A. Czajkowski. A Celebration of Life will follow from 1:00 to 4:00 PM in the Parish Hall, where friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor Ken’s legacy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the Pilarski Power team for Stomp Out Sarcoma at michiganmedicine.donordrive.com/team/5204 or to the Chondrosarcoma Foundation at csfshayna.org/donate-to-chondrosarcoma-foundation