Kevin W. Degen of Lathrup Village, Michigan, entered eternal life suddenly on August 10, 2010. He was 52 years old. Kevin was born December 18, 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Carolyn (nee Staub) and Donald Degen.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at an early age, doctors held out no hope that Kevin would live an active life, but he proved them wrong. At the age of four, he began his formal schooling as the youngest special education student ever taken into the Oak Park school district. In 1968, he joined the Boy Scouts of America and a year later, he became a member of the Young Writers Conference. From 1970-1971, he served in Student Government at Emerson Elementary. In 1974, he received First Place in the Graphics Art Division of the Metro Detroit Science and Engineering Fair and was named "Most Outstanding" in the field of Medicine and Health by the Unites States Air Force.
While a student at Groves High School in Birmingham, Kevin was recognized for raising the most money in the school's candy sale. In 1975 he raised the most money for the Michigan Heart Fund Cyclathon and earned the "King of Hearts" award for raising nearly $10,000 dollars during his three year involvement with the charity. He graduated from Groves High School in 1978, as a member of the National Honor Society.
After graduating high school, Kevin maintained his fast paced lifestyle, working full time for The AlliedSignal Friction Materials, Inc, followed by a stint at Danka Services International, and ending up at Plante & Moran, LLP.
During his working career, Kevin maintained his love for biking and used his passion to raise money for various charities. He totals about 3,000 miles each year in marathons on his adapted tricycle, raising funds - and awareness - for charities, including the Kenny Foundation for which he raised over $100,000 dollars throughout the years. Over one six-week period, he pedaled from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. to raise $60,000 for the Kenny Foundation.
Kevin is an annual rider for the Multiple Sclerosis Society MS 150, as well as the Wolverine 200, completing more than 100 miles each year. He rides more than 300 miles each year for P.A.L.M. (Pedal Across Lower Michigan), and in 1995 he joined World T.E.A.M. Sports, a nonprofit organization that promotes and develops opportunities in sports.
We met Kevin five years ago when he started riding with Michigan's Make*A*Wish Foundation's WAM 300 in their 3-day, 300 mile bike tour that raises money to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Kevin has raised nearly $100,000 in the five years that he has participated. He received special recognition and a special award at the Award's Ceremony on Saturday night July 24, 2010. Kevin completed the 300 mile ride for this year on July 25, 2010.
Kevin said, "I like doing the rides because I like helping people. I'm usually the last one in, but I don't care as long as I finish." Kevin also said, " When other people see me riding with one arm and leg, they figure they can overcome anything, too."
Kevin has received numerous awards throughout his life including the 1988 Academy Award for the Handicapped, the Special Award from Governor Michael Dukakis, the 1993 Hometown Hardies Hero, the JCPenny Golden Rule Award, and the 2001 RARE Foundation Award, an Everyday Hero Award. The U.S. Air Force awarded him a "most outstanding" citation in the field of Medicine and Health. He and former president Gerald R. Ford shook hands on Kevin's month-long bicentennial wagon train ride to Valley Forge. He is a Hardee's Hometown Hero, and was the JC Penney Golden Rule Award recipient in 1993.
In 1996, he was a torch bearer for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1999, Kevin was elected Birmingham Groves High School Alumnus of the Year. On October 4, 2001 he received the the Charles T. Kuntzleman Award and was inducted into the Michigan Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame sponsored by the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This honor is awarded to an individual who has overcome great obstacles in order to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.
Kevin is survived by his siblings, Brian (Jennifer) Degen, Sean (Janice) Degen, Colleen (Michael) Goodson and Maureen Degen, his aunts, Sister Corrine Staub and Sister Dolores Staub, and his niece and nephews, Brennan, Courtney, Dustin, Daniel, and Brandon. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carolyn and Don Degen.
Visitation: Saturday August 14, 2010 and Sunday August 15, 2010 from 2-8pm with prayers Sunday evening at 7pm at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Rds.)
Funeral Mass: Monday August 16, 2010 at 10am at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Interment: White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
BIKE FUNERAL PROCESSIONAL: There will be a bicycle processional to follow the funeral processional of cars from the church to the cemetery on Monday. It will be 8 miles, ending at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy. Riders attending the funeral may come in your Bike jersey and bring your bike to participate in this meaningful tribute to a dear friend. There will be a police escort.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at an early age, doctors held out no hope that Kevin would live an active life, but he proved them wrong. At the age of four, he began his formal schooling as the youngest special education student ever taken into the Oak Park school district. In 1968, he joined the Boy Scouts of America and a year later, he became a member of the Young Writers Conference. From 1970-1971, he served in Student Government at Emerson Elementary. In 1974, he received First Place in the Graphics Art Division of the Metro Detroit Science and Engineering Fair and was named "Most Outstanding" in the field of Medicine and Health by the Unites States Air Force.
While a student at Groves High School in Birmingham, Kevin was recognized for raising the most money in the school's candy sale. In 1975 he raised the most money for the Michigan Heart Fund Cyclathon and earned the "King of Hearts" award for raising nearly $10,000 dollars during his three year involvement with the charity. He graduated from Groves High School in 1978, as a member of the National Honor Society.
After graduating high school, Kevin maintained his fast paced lifestyle, working full time for The AlliedSignal Friction Materials, Inc, followed by a stint at Danka Services International, and ending up at Plante & Moran, LLP.
During his working career, Kevin maintained his love for biking and used his passion to raise money for various charities. He totals about 3,000 miles each year in marathons on his adapted tricycle, raising funds - and awareness - for charities, including the Kenny Foundation for which he raised over $100,000 dollars throughout the years. Over one six-week period, he pedaled from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. to raise $60,000 for the Kenny Foundation.
Kevin is an annual rider for the Multiple Sclerosis Society MS 150, as well as the Wolverine 200, completing more than 100 miles each year. He rides more than 300 miles each year for P.A.L.M. (Pedal Across Lower Michigan), and in 1995 he joined World T.E.A.M. Sports, a nonprofit organization that promotes and develops opportunities in sports.
We met Kevin five years ago when he started riding with Michigan's Make*A*Wish Foundation's WAM 300 in their 3-day, 300 mile bike tour that raises money to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Kevin has raised nearly $100,000 in the five years that he has participated. He received special recognition and a special award at the Award's Ceremony on Saturday night July 24, 2010. Kevin completed the 300 mile ride for this year on July 25, 2010.
Kevin said, "I like doing the rides because I like helping people. I'm usually the last one in, but I don't care as long as I finish." Kevin also said, " When other people see me riding with one arm and leg, they figure they can overcome anything, too."
Kevin has received numerous awards throughout his life including the 1988 Academy Award for the Handicapped, the Special Award from Governor Michael Dukakis, the 1993 Hometown Hardies Hero, the JCPenny Golden Rule Award, and the 2001 RARE Foundation Award, an Everyday Hero Award. The U.S. Air Force awarded him a "most outstanding" citation in the field of Medicine and Health. He and former president Gerald R. Ford shook hands on Kevin's month-long bicentennial wagon train ride to Valley Forge. He is a Hardee's Hometown Hero, and was the JC Penney Golden Rule Award recipient in 1993.
In 1996, he was a torch bearer for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1999, Kevin was elected Birmingham Groves High School Alumnus of the Year. On October 4, 2001 he received the the Charles T. Kuntzleman Award and was inducted into the Michigan Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame sponsored by the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This honor is awarded to an individual who has overcome great obstacles in order to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.
Kevin is survived by his siblings, Brian (Jennifer) Degen, Sean (Janice) Degen, Colleen (Michael) Goodson and Maureen Degen, his aunts, Sister Corrine Staub and Sister Dolores Staub, and his niece and nephews, Brennan, Courtney, Dustin, Daniel, and Brandon. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carolyn and Don Degen.
Visitation: Saturday August 14, 2010 and Sunday August 15, 2010 from 2-8pm with prayers Sunday evening at 7pm at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Rds.)
Funeral Mass: Monday August 16, 2010 at 10am at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Interment: White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
BIKE FUNERAL PROCESSIONAL: There will be a bicycle processional to follow the funeral processional of cars from the church to the cemetery on Monday. It will be 8 miles, ending at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy. Riders attending the funeral may come in your Bike jersey and bring your bike to participate in this meaningful tribute to a dear friend. There will be a police escort.
Kevin W. Degen of Lathrup Village, Michigan, entered eternal life suddenly on August 10, 2010. He was 52 years old. Kevin was born December 18, 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Carolyn (nee Staub) and Donald Degen.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at an early age, doctors held out no hope that Kevin would live an active life, but he proved them wrong. At the age of four, he began his formal schooling as the youngest special education student ever taken into the Oak Park school district. In 1968, he joined the Boy Scouts of America and a year later, he became a member of the Young Writers Conference. From 1970-1971, he served in Student Government at Emerson Elementary. In 1974, he received First Place in the Graphics Art Division of the Metro Detroit Science and Engineering Fair and was named "Most Outstanding" in the field of Medicine and Health by the Unites States Air Force.
While a student at Groves High School in Birmingham, Kevin was recognized for raising the most money in the school's candy sale. In 1975 he raised the most money for the Michigan Heart Fund Cyclathon and earned the "King of Hearts" award for raising nearly $10,000 dollars during his three year involvement with the charity. He graduated from Groves High School in 1978, as a member of the National Honor Society.
After graduating high school, Kevin maintained his fast paced lifestyle, working full time for The AlliedSignal Friction Materials, Inc, followed by a stint at Danka Services International, and ending up at Plante & Moran, LLP.
During his working career, Kevin maintained his love for biking and used his passion to raise money for various charities. He totals about 3,000 miles each year in marathons on his adapted tricycle, raising funds - and awareness - for charities, including the Kenny Foundation for which he raised over $100,000 dollars throughout the years. Over one six-week period, he pedaled from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. to raise $60,000 for the Kenny Foundation.
Kevin is an annual rider for the Multiple Sclerosis Society MS 150, as well as the Wolverine 200, completing more than 100 miles each year. He rides more than 300 miles each year for P.A.L.M. (Pedal Across Lower Michigan), and in 1995 he joined World T.E.A.M. Sports, a nonprofit organization that promotes and develops opportunities in sports.
We met Kevin five years ago when he started riding with Michigan's Make*A*Wish Foundation's WAM 300 in their 3-day, 300 mile bike tour that raises money to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Kevin has raised nearly $100,000 in the five years that he has participated. He received special recognition and a special award at the Award's Ceremony on Saturday night July 24, 2010. Kevin completed the 300 mile ride for this year on July 25, 2010.
Kevin said, "I like doing the rides because I like helping people. I'm usually the last one in, but I don't care as long as I finish." Kevin also said, " When other people see me riding with one arm and leg, they figure they can overcome anything, too."
Kevin has received numerous awards throughout his life including the 1988 Academy Award for the Handicapped, the Special Award from Governor Michael Dukakis, the 1993 Hometown Hardies Hero, the JCPenny Golden Rule Award, and the 2001 RARE Foundation Award, an Everyday Hero Award. The U.S. Air Force awarded him a "most outstanding" citation in the field of Medicine and Health. He and former president Gerald R. Ford shook hands on Kevin's month-long bicentennial wagon train ride to Valley Forge. He is a Hardee's Hometown Hero, and was the JC Penney Golden Rule Award recipient in 1993.
In 1996, he was a torch bearer for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1999, Kevin was elected Birmingham Groves High School Alumnus of the Year. On October 4, 2001 he received the the Charles T. Kuntzleman Award and was inducted into the Michigan Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame sponsored by the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This honor is awarded to an individual who has overcome great obstacles in order to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.
Kevin is survived by his siblings, Brian (Jennifer) Degen, Sean (Janice) Degen, Colleen (Michael) Goodson and Maureen Degen, his aunts, Sister Corrine Staub and Sister Dolores Staub, and his niece and nephews, Brennan, Courtney, Dustin, Daniel, and Brandon. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carolyn and Don Degen.
Visitation: Saturday August 14, 2010 and Sunday August 15, 2010 from 2-8pm with prayers Sunday evening at 7pm at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Rds.)
Funeral Mass: Monday August 16, 2010 at 10am at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Interment: White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
BIKE FUNERAL PROCESSIONAL: There will be a bicycle processional to follow the funeral processional of cars from the church to the cemetery on Monday. It will be 8 miles, ending at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy. Riders attending the funeral may come in your Bike jersey and bring your bike to participate in this meaningful tribute to a dear friend. There will be a police escort.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at an early age, doctors held out no hope that Kevin would live an active life, but he proved them wrong. At the age of four, he began his formal schooling as the youngest special education student ever taken into the Oak Park school district. In 1968, he joined the Boy Scouts of America and a year later, he became a member of the Young Writers Conference. From 1970-1971, he served in Student Government at Emerson Elementary. In 1974, he received First Place in the Graphics Art Division of the Metro Detroit Science and Engineering Fair and was named "Most Outstanding" in the field of Medicine and Health by the Unites States Air Force.
While a student at Groves High School in Birmingham, Kevin was recognized for raising the most money in the school's candy sale. In 1975 he raised the most money for the Michigan Heart Fund Cyclathon and earned the "King of Hearts" award for raising nearly $10,000 dollars during his three year involvement with the charity. He graduated from Groves High School in 1978, as a member of the National Honor Society.
After graduating high school, Kevin maintained his fast paced lifestyle, working full time for The AlliedSignal Friction Materials, Inc, followed by a stint at Danka Services International, and ending up at Plante & Moran, LLP.
During his working career, Kevin maintained his love for biking and used his passion to raise money for various charities. He totals about 3,000 miles each year in marathons on his adapted tricycle, raising funds - and awareness - for charities, including the Kenny Foundation for which he raised over $100,000 dollars throughout the years. Over one six-week period, he pedaled from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. to raise $60,000 for the Kenny Foundation.
Kevin is an annual rider for the Multiple Sclerosis Society MS 150, as well as the Wolverine 200, completing more than 100 miles each year. He rides more than 300 miles each year for P.A.L.M. (Pedal Across Lower Michigan), and in 1995 he joined World T.E.A.M. Sports, a nonprofit organization that promotes and develops opportunities in sports.
We met Kevin five years ago when he started riding with Michigan's Make*A*Wish Foundation's WAM 300 in their 3-day, 300 mile bike tour that raises money to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Kevin has raised nearly $100,000 in the five years that he has participated. He received special recognition and a special award at the Award's Ceremony on Saturday night July 24, 2010. Kevin completed the 300 mile ride for this year on July 25, 2010.
Kevin said, "I like doing the rides because I like helping people. I'm usually the last one in, but I don't care as long as I finish." Kevin also said, " When other people see me riding with one arm and leg, they figure they can overcome anything, too."
Kevin has received numerous awards throughout his life including the 1988 Academy Award for the Handicapped, the Special Award from Governor Michael Dukakis, the 1993 Hometown Hardies Hero, the JCPenny Golden Rule Award, and the 2001 RARE Foundation Award, an Everyday Hero Award. The U.S. Air Force awarded him a "most outstanding" citation in the field of Medicine and Health. He and former president Gerald R. Ford shook hands on Kevin's month-long bicentennial wagon train ride to Valley Forge. He is a Hardee's Hometown Hero, and was the JC Penney Golden Rule Award recipient in 1993.
In 1996, he was a torch bearer for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1999, Kevin was elected Birmingham Groves High School Alumnus of the Year. On October 4, 2001 he received the the Charles T. Kuntzleman Award and was inducted into the Michigan Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame sponsored by the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This honor is awarded to an individual who has overcome great obstacles in order to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.
Kevin is survived by his siblings, Brian (Jennifer) Degen, Sean (Janice) Degen, Colleen (Michael) Goodson and Maureen Degen, his aunts, Sister Corrine Staub and Sister Dolores Staub, and his niece and nephews, Brennan, Courtney, Dustin, Daniel, and Brandon. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carolyn and Don Degen.
Visitation: Saturday August 14, 2010 and Sunday August 15, 2010 from 2-8pm with prayers Sunday evening at 7pm at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Rds.)
Funeral Mass: Monday August 16, 2010 at 10am at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Interment: White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
BIKE FUNERAL PROCESSIONAL: There will be a bicycle processional to follow the funeral processional of cars from the church to the cemetery on Monday. It will be 8 miles, ending at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy. Riders attending the funeral may come in your Bike jersey and bring your bike to participate in this meaningful tribute to a dear friend. There will be a police escort.
