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Ken (Kenny) Wise, aged 78, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.  The son of Kenneth F. and Dorothy Wise, he was born on April 21, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio.  A graduate of Scott High School, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean, and in 1959, was ordered to Seoul Korea, serving as a corporal in the tank division.  While serving overseas, his first son, Ken, was born.  Upon returning a proud vet, second son Greg and daughter Kim followed.

He started his professional career working for Charles Mann Co., but ultimately left to form Wise Painting and Decorating.  His projects included such landmarks as Centennial Hall and Jacobsons, and took great pride in his long relationship with Foodtown Corp.  He formed Wise Investment, which developed apartment building construction, including the Brookpark complex and various buildings in the Southwyck Mall area.  This eventually led to his purchase of the former Ott’s Marina, which he developed into Wise Marina in 1983.  Wise Marina became one of the city’s most popular hangouts, with a motto of “come by boat or come by car.”  It would fill to capacity after the original Party in the Park, with people often waiting in long lines just to get in.  A popular gathering spot for boaters, people still talk today of the stories and fun they had hanging out on the river at Wise Marina.  A victim of its own success, as the crowds grew so did the problems, and he eventually shut it down to pursue other restaurant and nightclub ventures with his pal, Carl Mazzurco, including Cheaters on Main Street, across the river.

Ken was a member of VFW Post 4898, and past member of Trilby Exchange Club, Great Northern Sportsmen Club, Riverview Yacht Club and Ottawa River Yacht Club.

Ultimately, he met the second love of his life, Barbara, and his life began to settle down.  They married in 1998 and for the past 19 years have spent their time traveling and tending to their gardens and fish pond.  A lifelong fisherman, Ken loved spending time on his boat with friends and grandkids, who will all miss the wonderful times spent on Lake Erie.

For those of you who knew Ken, he lived life on his own terms.  On many days, happy hour started at noon, and every day was a holiday and new adventure.  Rather than feel sad, think of a fond memory of a time at Wise Marina and share it with a friend; nothing would have made him happier.

Ken leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara, and children:  Ken (Ann), Greg (Michelle) and Kim (Jim) Garland, eight grandchildren, and brother, Charles Tooman.

Per Ken’s wishes, there will be no viewing and a private celebration of his life will be held by his family at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to www.fisherhousemichigan.org, a foundation seeking funds to build temporary housing for families of veterans who are receiving medical attention at the VA Ann Arbor Hospital. Arrangements by the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, Temperance, MI.  www.pawlakfuneralhome.com