Kenneth Timothy Warnke, born May 23, 1946 to Alvin and Dorothy Warnke, passed away Saturday Jan. 28, 2017 at his home in Helena.

Ken graduated from Helena Senior High in 1965. He was employed by and served in the Montana National Guard for over 30 years. He retired in 1993.

Ken married the love of his life, Betty Marie Berg on Sept. 28, 1974. They shared 28 years together before her death in 2002. They have one daughter, Staci Elizabeth.

Kenneth was an avid reader. He especially liked Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series. His knowledge of history of the Civil War and World War I and II was surpassed by none. He was passionate about politics-a favorite subject for him-which he often discussed, loudly!!

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; parents Alvin and Dorothy Warnke; cousins Janet Dean and Larry Lang.

Kenny is survived by his daughter, Staci; sister, Joannie Lee Warnke; brother, Michael (Mae Gress) Warnke; grandchildren: Shelbi, Michael, Shiann, and Dillon; nephew, Christopher Lea; nieces, Linda (Jerry) Switzer, Selina (Rod) Smith; cousin, Ben (Diane) Dean; sister in law, Susan (Al) Busche; and other numerous cousins, family and friends.

Kenneth was a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend and will be greatly missed by us all.

A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday February 3rd at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens with a reception following burial at The Eagles Lodge #16, 801 N. Fee Street. Memorials in Ken’s name may be made to Montana Veterans Foundation to help assist homeless veterans at www.mtvf.org or Montana Veterans Foundation 1112 Leslie Avenue – Helena, Montana 59601.

 

Pulbished in The Independent Record (Helena, MT) on Wednesday, February 1, 2017