Kenneth Roger Broderdorf Sr.

Kenneth Roger Broderdorf Sr., a beloved family man, entered eternal rest in the arms of his Almighty Lord and Savior on January 31, 2026. He was 95 years young. Ken was born on December 21, 1930, in River Rouge, Michigan to Louis W. Broderdorf and Theresa (Toth) and resided in Taylor, Michigan for over 70 years. He was affectionately known in his community and beyond as "The Taxman." 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 74+ years, Betty Jean, and blessed with their four children Sherrill Lynn (Stuart Neal Johnson), David Reece (Laura Lynn), Sandra Dee (Enrico Morelli) and Kenneth Jr. (Erika Marie). He was a very proud grandfather to five grandchildren, Kimberly Lane, Kelly Nicole, David Reece II, Erik Ryan and Enrico II, as well as great-grandchildren, Nicolas, Anna, Claire, Ava, Emma, Lark, Vera and Elsie. 

Ken attended River Rouge High School and graduated in January 1949. He was a star athlete excelling in basketball, baseball and track. He earned his Varsity letter in three (3) sports: 1948-1949 basketball team captain (1948 1st team Twin Valley League), track (880) state finalist, and cross country. He played basketball for the legendary Michigan Hall of Fame Coach "Lofton Greene.” After graduating, Ken and Coach Greene remained life-long friends. 

Ken attended Detroit Business College (1949-1950) and Detroit Institute of Technology (1950-1951) where he played varsity basketball '50-51', served in the U.S. Navy and returned to DIT from 1955-1959 and received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1959. 

Ken joined the U.S. Navy in January of 1951 during the Korean War. After completing 6 months of basic training, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier the USS Antietam as Disbursing Clerk 3rd Class. He also served on the NTC Great Lakes, IL, USS Shangri La and the USS Kula Gulf. Ken was deployed to the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean, toured Europe and Cuba. While at sea, already having an interest in numbers, Ken was commissioned to perform accounting duties, including payroll. Along with daily maneuvers, Ken and his mates enjoyed playing on the baseball & basketball teams and even did a little boxing. Ken proudly served his country for 4 years and received an honorable discharge on May 12, 1955. 

After receiving his B.B.A., Ken worked for Ford Motor Company in the tractor division. He worked as a systems analyst and various management positions for 35 years until he retired from Ford in 1992. In 1960, he also established his tax professional service, where he worked until he retired in 2022 at the age of 91! At his peak, Ken enthusiastically serviced 1100 clients as the sole proprietor. Additionally during this time, he worked in the financial world for various broker/dealers and retired in May 2009. 

Ken was also known for his infectious love of sports, especially the University of Michigan athletics. He was an avid fan of Michigan football and basketball, frequenting countless games and Rose Bowl games over the years with his family. Ken also found extreme pleasure and enjoyment going to numerous horse tracks throughout his life, attending a recent decade long run to the Kentucky Derby with family and close friends. 

Ken and his wife Betty, along with their entire family, spent over 30 years traveling to Las Vegas, NV where they owned their own home and spent their leisure time traveling throughout the West.

Being raised in the Lutheran Church, Ken was also a committed servant of his church, holding positions of president, treasurer, and elder over the years.

Visitation will take place at The Allen Park Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm and begin again at 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A private memorial service and burial will take place on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Glen Eden Memorial Park Cemetery at 12:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Kenneth.