Kenneth Pothoven's Obituary
Kenneth Leroy Pothoven, of Land O Lakes, Florida, went to his home in glory on May 1, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home after several weeks of decline from glioblastoma brain cancer.
Ken was born on March 8, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, to Garret and Stella Pothoven. The family later moved to Holland, Michigan, where Ken got his schooling in the Holland Christian School system graduating from Holland Christian High School in 1961. He then went to Calvin College (now University) and then to Western Michigan University, receiving a BA in Math, MA in Math, Specialist of Arts in Math/Category Theory, and PhD in Math/Functional Analysis and Category Theory.
Ken graduated with his PhD in 1969. Then, after he taught for one year at Western Michigan University, he moved his family to Florida to teach at the University of South Florida, first as an Assistant Professor and soon as Associate Professor. He served as Chairman of the Math Department from 1984 - 1994 and then as Director of the Center for Mathematical Services for many years. During those years he also served on committees for the Mathematics Association of America Florida Section, including being Secretary/Treasurer of the Florida Section from 1997-2003.
Ken was awarded several teaching awards in his career. In 1983 USF awarded him the Distinguished Teacher Award from the College of Natural Sciences and in 1998 he received an Outstanding Teaching Award. Then in 2004 he was honored by receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Math Association of America. His crowning achievement was to coauthor a two-volume textbook on Real and Functional Analysis.
While still in college Ken married his high school sweetheart, Betty DeWys, with whom he shared 61 3/4 years of happy married life. They were blessed with three delightful children, 11 wonderful grandchildren, and 9 sweet great-grandchildren. During his free time, Ken enjoyed golfing, traveling, and watching sports. The family did much camping and sight-seeing all over the country. After the kids moved out, Ken and Betty traveled quite extensively to many places in the world. Their favorite place to hang out was in the mountains of North Carolina where they had a summer home for 13 years.
Ken was also a busy participant in church activities. One of his cherished achievements was being instrumental in getting a pre-school started at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church. Ken also served on the church Council/ Session for most of his adult life. For 20 years of this time he helped build up an in-home system of small group Bible studies to help other Christians and seekers grow in their faith. Ken also enjoyed teaching several Sunday School classes over the years.
Ken is survived by his wife Betty (Elizabeth DeWys Pothoven) and by one sister-in-law (Iris Pothoven), daughter Kathy Lynn and husband Ross Jelsema, two sons: Donald Jay and wife Mary Pothoven, and Steven Mark and wife Tamara Pothoven. His 11 grandchildren are Gabriella Pothoven Morris (Shane), Matthew Jelsema (Amanda), Andrew Jelsema (Joslyn), Bethany Jelsema Miedema (Travis), Michael Pothoven, Cameron Pothoven, Shannon Pothoven, Michelle Pothoven, Bryson Pothoven, and Emily Pothoven.
He was predeceased by his parents Garret and Stella Pothoven, brother Ronald Pothoven, sister Carol Pothoven Topp, brother-in-law Dale Topp, sister Marcia Pothoven, and grandchild Christopher David Pothoven.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. on May 30, 2026, following a private entombment at the Trinity Memorial Gardens in Trinity, Florida. The Reverend Freddy Fritz will be officiating.
Ken left this Bible verse that was the roadmap for his life: “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.
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