Obituary of Kenneth Barbosa

Kenneth Barragan Barbosa July 18, 1958 - August 18, 2009 Kenneth B. Barbosa age 51 of Monroe passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor. Joanne his wife stated that he most likely wore out his heart from all the love he had shared. Kenneth was born July 18, 1958 in Wyandotte, Michigan one of four children born from the union of the late Louis Barbosa and the late Josephine (Barragan) Barbosa. He graduated from Melvindale High School with the class of 1976. Kenneth worked as a Blast Furnace Operator or Stove Tender for U.S. Steel Company in Ecorse, Michigan. He was employed by U.S. Steel for more than 33 years, and also was a member of United Steelworkers Local 1299. Almost nineteen years ago on Halloween eve a chance encounter brought Kenneth and Joanne Markgraff together on I-94 near Metro Airport. This was the joining of soul-mates. They would later be married by the Justice of the Peace in Red Lodge, Montana. Kenneth was a connoisseur of food. He was quite the chef and he enjoyed cooking and sharing his meals with those he loved. Traveling by car was a favorite pastime of Kenneth's. His trips through forty-eight of the states provided him ample opportunity to be with his soul-mate Joanne and their beloved cocker-spaniels: Cheyenne and Lakota. Kenneth was also very proud of his heritage and enjoyed listening to Spanish music. He was looking forward to a California move and warmer weather later this year. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Joanne of Monroe; a stepson: Michael (Cynthia) Rathbone of Cold Spring, Minnesota; two brothers: Louis B. (Pam) Barbosa and Larry B. (Michelle) Barbosa; a sister: Laura (Charley) Irvin; five grandchildren: Alisa Kay (Bradley) Hegensteg, Lindsey Rae Rathbone, David John, Daniel Richard, Melissa Ann Schmit; great grandchildren: Chandler and Mackayla Hegensteg; a niece: Alexis Barbosa; and his beloved cocker-spaniels: Cheyenne and Lakota. Friends may gather from 4:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 7:00pm, Friday, August 21, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Father Bob Singelyn will officiate. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the Monroe County Humane Society. Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page. Kenneth was a big teddy bear, the kind whom was larger than life and always put others first.