Obituary of Kenneth Anthony Kania May 22, 1947 – Sept. 1, 2016
Kenneth Anthony Kania, Hóma’e Ôhmé’éhnêstse (Beaver Appears), was born on May 22, 1947 at the Milwaukee Hospital in Wisconsin, the oldest of six boys. His parents were Verona Mueller Kania and Erwin Kania. Ken was a preemie at 3 lbs. 10 oz. and spent months in an incubator. At that time the hospitals used pure oxygen that permanently ruined his eyes. He had to wear glasses most of his life. He grew up in Cudahy, Wisconsin and attended St. Fred’s’ Catholic School and later public junior high and high school. He raised money through a paper route to travel to Mexico City and stayed with an uncle “Brother Phillip”. During his time in Mexico, Ken helped build school buildings, installed plumbing, and electrical outlets. Along with learning the art of construction, he also had plenty of time to practice Spanish.
After high school, Ken attended the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, majoring in anthropology. He took on jobs to pay for his tuition and books. Ken also joined ROTC. After graduating college, Ken enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War and went to Fort Bragg for basic training. While they were assessing his physical health, an optometrist determined that Ken’s eyes were too damaged for combat. He received an honorable discharge and was sent home by train.
Back in Milwaukee, he had to decide what to do next. With his degree in anthropology, Ken wondered if he could become a college professor. He was told that he needed field experience. His mentor gave him two possibilities to look into – a reservation school in South Dakota and St. Labre Mission. Fr. Larry Abler offered Ken a job at St. Labre Mission School. The one catch was that he would be considered a volunteer and volunteers earned $10 a week plus room and board. Ken accepted the offer, packed up his belongings in his car, and drove out to Montana in the middle of January of 1973.
He began teaching at St. Labre with Sr. Mildred who taught him many of her educational techniques and ultimately became his mentor, helping him be a great teacher. He retired last year after teaching at St. Labre for 40 years. He was passionate about history, especially Cheyenne history. He loved to read, when he was growing up his mom would often tell him to get his nose out of a book. He also loved Star Trek, he even wore Star Trek pajamas.
In 1975, Ken met Pam Oesterle, who worked in Lame Deer, at meetings that Fr. Gil held for religious educators. Two years later Pam moved to Ashland and they began dating. Pam and Ken became engaged in August and they were married December 17th, 1977. They continued to live and work at Labre.
After years of trying to have children, Pam and Ken decided to adopt through Montana State social services. After many hours of filling out paperwork and interviews, they were invited to Great Falls to meet Gena and Gary Middle Rider Jr., of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. A couple weeks later, Pam and Ken were welcomed back to Great Falls to bring Gena and Gary home to Ashland and became a forever family.
Ken is survived by his wife, Pam; their children: Gena and Gary Middle Rider Jr.; their grandchildren: Emonda, Kaya, Christian, Chasen, Gabby , Tymond, Naato Aakii, Catlin Middle Rider, and Josiah Rowland; and their great-grandchildren: Isaiah and Kehlani. He is also survived by his brothers, Glenn, Bruce, Tom, and Craig, and their families.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday September 5, 2016
ST Labre Catholic Mission
1000 Tounge River Road
Ashland, MT 59003
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Tuesday September 6, 2016
ST Labre Catholic Mission
1000 Tongue River Road
Ashl;and, MT 59003
Rite of Committal
12:00 PM
Tuesday September 6, 2016
Otter Creek Cemetery
Ashland , MT 59003
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday September 5, 2016
ST Labre Catholic Mission
1000 Tounge River Road
Ashland, MT 59003
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Tuesday September 6, 2016
ST Labre Catholic Mission
1000 Tongue River Road
Ashl;and, MT 59003
Rite of Committal
12:00 PM
Tuesday September 6, 2016
Otter Creek Cemetery
Ashland , MT 59003
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Fran and Stan Oswald says
Pam and family: you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincere condolences for your (and our) tragic loss.
Kristi Harris says
Pam, I’m so sorry for you loss my sincere condolences to you and family.
Kelly Stevenson says
Pam, I am so sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. He was an great teacher and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by all those that knew him. May god place his loving arms around you and your family.
Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
Ms. Pam Kania & Family!
I’m so sorry for your loss!! We’re all grief stricken with this great loss of Mr. Ken Kania. He was an awesome teacher! I will forever remember his guidance, his faith and support as my teacher when I attended Labre. He never gave up on us students, always pushed us to our limits in his gentle way, always encouraged us, and knew how to take a joke or made jokes. He will be missed, but cannot imagine the pain of losing a spouse. He was a gentle spirit now an angel. Deepest Condolences to you & loved ones. :'( RIP MR. KEN KANIA
Michael, Kristi, Chandra, Alyssa Robert Jr. Speelman says
Pam, and Family we are all sadden by the sudden loss of Ken. Ken was a Great and kind man we don’t need to tell you how much he will be missed. It has been Honor to for the Me and my family to be working with you guys on your home this past year. My family is been in shock as a results of the accident. Ken always had what ever was in Pam’s best interest in picking the priorities as what we would work on next. Ken was so proud of himself with the surprising Pam with the kitchen remodel. and he was also excited to make the new utinsle hangers with as Ken called it “my new toy” 3-D printer he had gotten from his brother. so excited to make new hooks. Ken and I had a great visit about history and Tribal Government on our trip to Miles City, Ken had a Vast knowledge of many things. Ken was my American Government Teacher, Photography Teacher, our Class adviser in high school Ken was instrumental settling the Student walk out in the Mid 80’s at St. Labre. Ken was not only a Fabulous Teacher but a Good Friend of Our Family. always there to lend a Hand, Ken was the Breakfast cook for the Flag Raising Ceremony this past May when they Flew my father Irvin Speelman’s Flag. at St. Labre cemetery this year. Ken was a good Brother, Husband , Father, Grandfather, and a Proud Great Grandfather. ANd will be Greatly missed by the Ashland and surrounding Communities. RIP my Friend.
Terry Straus says
What a shock, Pam-
I was there when Ken first arrived at St. Labre. From the very start, his enthusiasm for teaching and his commitment to his students was clear.
His dedication only deepened and broadened over his decades of service there. He was the best kind of colleague: engaged in both subject and context, coursework and community,
willing to put in the extra hours and go the extra mile to enhance the education of students, in an out of the classroom. He was the best kind of friend: respectful, thoughtful, generous, valuing substance over status, and sincerity over artifice.
When I saw you both last week, I was struck by how well and how satisfied he looked. All last night, trying to accept the reality of his death, I kept remembering the smile he had that day. It was a smile of mature well-being.
Thank you, dear Pam, for being the catalyst and the conduit of his greatest contentment; for assuring that he left this life with that smile on his face, in spite of the many challenges you faced together.
Julie Harris says
Pam and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Ken was always a kind and caring man. We are so sorry.
Cindy Stanton says
Dear Pam & family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Ken was such a gentle soul and such a valuable member oft St. Labre and the whole community. He will be missed by so many. You all are in my thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort.
Cindy Stanton & Brady Mothershead
Jean Tyrell says
Pam, And family. My heart is heavy. I lift Ken’s spirit to the place of infinite hope and joy. He was a gem of a man, enthusiastic, faithful, generous. His influence has and will continue to be profound. My deepest condolences. Jean Tyrell, Ashland’76-78.
Diane MacMonegle Langworthy says
Dear Pam and family, There is so much to treasure up from Ken’s loving life. What a faithful friend and teacher! I am keeping you and Ken’s whole circle of love (including the far flung Jesuit volunteers he so generously took under his wing) in my prayers. I remember how he glowed when he found you, Pam, and fell in love. I remember the nerve-wracking but joy-filled task of making your wedding cake. What gifts you have been to one another. I will keep keeping you in my prayers. Know that as we morn Ken’s loss we turn and return to lifting you up in prayer. Love,
Diane MacMonegle Langworthy (St. Labre 76-78)
Grace Larson says
Pam , I am so sad over your loss . I pray that God gives you the strength to get through this One Day At A Time .
Myron & Cheryl Littlebird says
Dear Pam – We are very heartbroken and saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. You two were and are a gift to us and our family. He was an excellent example of faith filled and generous man. I personally was blessed to have known him all these years and to be in his presence. We are praying for you. Know that we love you.
Rayetta Fjell says
Pam;
We are very saddened to hear of Ken’s accident. Please know our prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Robin Thompson and family.. says
Pam and family…I’m so very sorry at the loss of such a great friend. I an heartbroken for you all. Ken was such a comfort to me recently after the loss of my daughter Carrie. All of our memories of Ken are good ones, and he will always be with us. The heartache will lessen but never be gone. God bless and comfort you all.
(Bro) Paul Courchaine says
My thoughts, prayers and sad heart are with you, Pam & kids. You both were a bright light in my life. Ken was a wonderful friend & blessing for all at Labre, a kind and generous man. No doubt he is with our Creator waiting to “pull us up” when our passing time comes. Lu, Paul Courchaine, “Brother Paul” and my boys/family.
Kimberlea Emmons says
Pam, Josiah, Emonda and family – We are so very sorry for your loss, Ken touched not just people’s hearts, but also their souls. I will always be thankful that he was there at St. Labre my first year of ‘real’ teaching – he was always happy, helpful and full of good advice and caring. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. Much love to you all during this time. I pray for peace and strength for you today, tomorrow and all that comes. God Bless and keep you.
~Kimber, Brett, Chi, ~Kenna~, Cale, Kensi, Caty and Karlee Emmons
Debbi and Tim Dove says
Pam, on more than one occasion Tim has said to me that Ken Kania was the closest thing to a genius he had ever known. Ken was so respected for his brilliant mind. Know that you have our love and support.
Michelle Charlesworth says
Pam,
I remember when I first attended mass, Ken was one of the first people I met. He was so welcoming and talked to me about the community, He was always ready to talk to anyone and loved sharing all he knew about the History of St. Labre, the Cheyenne people, and even many stories about your kids and grandkids. He was a friend to all. I feel lucky to have gotten to know him over the past few years.
God Bless you and your family,
Michelle
Larry T. says
Ken was a great teacher, a wonderful Catholic, and a very good friend. I will miss him a lot. Pam, I will keep you in my prayers. Ken loved you very much and was blessed to have you by his side all these years. You were always his treasure from God.
Christine Valentine says
I am so shocked to hear of Ken’s death; my heart goes out to you Pam, and all your family. You are in my prayers and I pray that God gives you comfort and strength to get through this sad time.
Bert and Helen Woods says
Pam and family,
So sorry for your loss. Ken was a great teacher, friend, and neighbor. His passing has left a empty space in our whole community, Prayers for you.
Bertha Brown says
Our condolences for your loss, may God/ Maheo bless you and your family in your time of mourning.
From,
Mrs. Eva Bear Chum & family
Glenda Littlebird and Family says
Rest In Peace dear Ken…we are grateful to have known you…your presence on this earth was a true blessing to us all. Hugs and prayers Pam and family.
Janie LaFranier Spang and family says
Our Love, Prayers, and Condolence are with you and your family. May you find Love and comfort in friends and family. He will be missed by all.
Oly and Teresa McMakin says
Sending prayers of comfort. Thank you Pam and children, grand children, and great grand children for sharing Ken with all of us. Ken is a prime example of everything an educator should be as well as you Pam. Every time I would run into Ken or think of him, I just wanna smile because that was the kind of person he was. A hug by you Pam is always so much more than a hug it is a feeling of comfort. Therefore, I am sending prayers of comfort your way. Ken will always be a legend in our community. I appreciate the words of encouragement that both of you always had for me. Thank you for all you have done for my family and children.- Que Dios te bendiga y siempre estar con tu familia…..:(
Buster Leider says
My Prayers and condolences to Ken and his family. He was a great teacher, a great role model and most of all, and all around great person to get along with. Rest in Peace Mr. K.
Michael and Marian Sioux says
Sending our Hugs & Prayers Pam & Family. We have been thing about all of you lately.
Marie Boothe says
Pam,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Ken was a joy to talk to, and I am proud that I worked with him at St. Labre for 15 years. His service to the school, community, and to the St. Labre Parish was outstanding. He truely will be missed by all.
God has you in His hands now Ken!
Marie
Garla says
Prayers of comfort to you, Pam, Mr. Kania was one of kind, and a great teacher!
Garla & Family
S. Mary Ann Stoffregen says
Pam, my heart goes out to you and all the family. It’s hard to fathom that Ken has left this earth. As I read through the messages I realized that his (and your) gifts have touched so many and I feel blessed to call you friend. My prayers are with you these grieving days.
Love, Mary Ann
Shirl Robinson says
Pam, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Prayers for strength and peace in your hearts.
Shirl Robinson
Butch Gregory says
Pam and family,
So sorry to hear of Kens Passing. I so enjoyed the classes I took from Ken of the Cheyenne people and their history while I worked at St Labre. I will forever remember what he taught me. May the good Lord bless you and your family with the wonderful memories of his life.
Love, Butch and Caprice Gregory
Julie Gatlin and Kenny Gress says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Pam and all of Ken’s family. May the memories give you peace during this difficult time.
sherri bartholomew says
Pam, I wanted to extend my thoughts and prayers to you. We knew each other when I worked at St. Labre for a short time. I was so impressed with your closeness to God that I know he will give you the strength you and your family will need at this time. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless You, Sherri Bartholomew, SFO
Colleen and Doug Hopkins says
Dear Pam and Family, We are so sorry about Ken. He touched so many lives. The kindest of men. I enjoyed working with him at bible school and seeing him when he would pick up Josiah. He was always smiling with a good story to tell. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Diane and Eugene Skorlinski says
Dear Pam and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your.
Mary Dillon says
Our sincerest sympathy to all of you. Your family is in our prayers. God bless you.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Larry cunningham says
Pam and family: Ken had a heart of pure gold. Over the many years that I knew him, I never heard him speak an unkind word about anyone. He was always willing to share photos for the Morning Star, and helped me on many occasions to get the ones I needed. As Micah 6:8 says, What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Fits Ken to a T. May he rest in peace.
Shanny Spang Gion & Jake Gion says
Pam, Kaya & Family:
Ken was an amazing human being and we’re so grateful to have known him. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Georgia Ann Burns says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Pam. Also with your children, grandchildren and greats. Praying for strength and healing for all of you!!❤
Bernie Tadda says
To Pam and family: Ken was always so gracious and helpful to us as new volunteers back in 1976…just 40 short years ago. He (and you!) have a wonderful legacy of care and service in an around St. Labre.
St. Theresa of Calcutta was canonized this weekend and I think her words are fitting for what Ken tried to live: “Do many things with great love.” I am sure they are both in heaven looking down and praying for you all. God Bless You.
With hugs and love, Bernie Tadda (JVC Ashland ’76 – ’78).
Melissa Royston Whitewolf & Family says
Pam and Family, our condolences to you and Mr. Kania’s family. Ken was my daughters favorite teacher, she would often start laughing out of the blue and tell me a story about what happened at school involving Mr. Kania. He touched many lives. God Bless.
Rev. Jim Davis says
My condolences to you and your family, Pam. My wife Nancy and I adore, respect and love your sister, Carla, as one of the very special members of our extended family. She has told me how wonderful a person Ken was and how he touched so very many lives in powerful, loving ways. May your memories of him be held close to your hearts always with the knowledge that his Spirit will live on forever.
Tamara Mucha says
My heartfelt condolences, and prayers for strength and healing for:
Pam, kids, all of the grandchildren, even the great grandchildren who were just getting to know him, his brothers and Ken’s entire community who miss him dearly!
Since Ken’s passing away 15 days ago, life seems to be in slow motion. He was a gentle but formidable force for good and will be missed! I’ll especially miss his company on facebook, and his Christmas letters that helped keep our family in touch.
May Ken’s joyful, gregarious, wise and funny spirit be with us always! When I think of the blessing Ken has been in our lives, I hear quotes from Mr. Spock and Captain Jean Luc Picard, “Live long and prosper.” and “Make it so!”.
Mary Brauer says
Pam, Although i hadn’t seen Ken for years, i will always remember him as such a kind, gentle and intelligent man. May you and your family be comforted with precious memories of the love he brought into your lives.
Jennifer J Knight says
Pam and family,
Was so sad to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a great assistance to me while I was at St Labre and we had some great field trips together; he had the most marvelous sense of humor, and was a treat to work with.
My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family…