DELRAY BEACH — Kenneth Michael Van Arnem Sr., 65, of Delray Beach (formerly of Detroit) passed away on July 18. Mr. Van Arnem, an early pioneer in the computing industry, attended the University of Detroit and served in the Army from 1970 to 1971 during the Vietnam War. After being awarded the Bronze Star for bravery, Mr. Van Arnem created and ran the Gulf Coast RV Park.
Mr. Van Arnem went on to hold key positions with such companies as Cybergate, the first ISP provider in Florida, Honeywell and ACTS Computing in Detroit, Universal Computer Leasing in Wiesbaden, Germany, and Total E networking in Paris and London. In the late ’70s and early ’80s, Mr. Van Arnem was the vice president of operations for the Detroit Express soccer team, and was also a partner in Van Arnem Racing, SCCA and IMSA GT production road racing.
Mr. Van Arnem returned to South Florida in 1989 with Finalco and then Gemini Leasing in Boca Raton. In the early 2000s, he became involved with real estate development in South Florida with his brother, and spearheaded such projects as the Casa Bonita condo development, 55 Town Square and Santa Fe Suites.
Mr. Van Arnem is survived by his children Kerri (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Kassandra (Detroit) and Ken Jr. (Walled Lake, Mich.); grandchildren Devin and Alexis; siblings Nancy (Birmingham, Mich.) and Harold (Ocean Ridge); longtime partner Victoria Spungin; and his service dog, Madam.
Burial with military honors was held July 22 at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth. A reception followed at the American Legion Milton Myers Post 65 in Delray Beach.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Assistance Dogs International or Milton Myers Post 65.
Please visit www.LorneandSons.com to sign the online guestbook and share condolences.
— Obituary submitted by the family
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