Kenneth Bragg
Kenneth (Kenny) Martin Bragg, age 22, formerly of Monticello, Arkansas, died suddenly in a house explosion on Saturday, December 30, 2023. He was a graduate of Monticello High School and was to graduate from Michigan Technological University this spring. Kenny was writing an undergraduate thesis in archaeology and wanted to pursue a career in that field. His parents were active in the Arkansas Archaeology Society and throughout his childhood he accompanied them on digs. He was passionate about history, archaeology, and conservation. He was in band, 4-H, and scouting, always a “good kid” even when he grew so tall he towered over the rest of us.
Kenny’s family was close-knit and busy. As a “Bragg Family South” kid, Kenny was frequently on his way to a state park, either combing a river bed or fishing with his dad. He was the apple of his mother’s eye, and she was his Den Mother, 4-H leader, or fan in the bleachers whenever needed. He made good friends in band, including college Pep Band.
Joined in death by his mother, Hope; father, Don; and sister, Beth, who all died in the same house explosion, he is preceded in death by his grandmother Ann Pruden. Kenny is survived by his brother Stephen; grandfather (Bumpa) Rick Pruden of Whitmore Lake, Michigan; grandparents Don and Rose Bragg of Rhinelander, Wisconsin; aunts Lisa Bragg-Hurlburt of Eau Claire (Jon Hurlburt of Colfax) and Laurie Bragg-Valaskey (Mark Valaskey) of Cross Plains, Wisconsin; uncle Bob Bragg (Nancy Hopkins) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; uncle John Bragg (Jim Houzner) of Jersey City, New Jersey; and uncle Bill Bragg (Maiko Chu) of Bradenton, Florida; cousins Michael Hurlburt, David Hurlburt (Shyla), Jonathan Hurlburt (Alicia), Emma Hurlburt (Forrest), Leila Hurlburt and Susan Johnston (Jay); and many dear friends.
Funeral arrangements have not been made yet. If desired, friends and family may make memorial contributions to the GoFundMe sites set up for the survivors: (https://gofund.me/d32eff21 and https://gofund.me/a66542b0). The family would like to thank friends and relatives across the country for their condolences and support.