Ken Gardner, 77, of Miles City, Montana, passed away on October 17, 2023. Ken was a devoted husband, loving father, and faithful friend. He was known for his kind heart, humor, unwavering love, faith, family, sports, the outdoors, and his love for dogs.
Ken is survived by his wife of 35 years, Patricia Gardner; sister, Jackie Burke of Butte, MT; daughter, Kari (Valerio) Vaccari of Denver, CO; son, Joe (Kristila) Gardner of Girdwood, AK; step-son, Michael (Suzie) McClure of Inwood, WV; step-daughter, Jennifer (Aric) Prickett of Queen Creek, AZ; 10 grandchildren: Meighan, Breven, Dawson, Tiersen, Kenzie, Molly, Riley, Cole, Jewel, and Alexis; and 11 great-grandchildren: Rilyn, Taytum,Channing, Braxton, Myles, Sjana, Tyce, Trey, Lucian, Grey, and Rush. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Florence Gardner; sister, Kookie Roberson; daughter, Lindsay Spencer; and beloved dogs, Sir Higgins Wiggins and Sir Pugsly Wugsly.
Ken attended Terry High School, where he excelled in track, notably winning first place in the low hurdles at the state level, and in football. He continued his education at Miles City Community College, the University of Hawaii, the University of Montana, and Metro State College Denver.
Throughout his career, Ken worked at the U.S. Geological Survey from 1971 to 1982, Petrographic Services from 1982 to 1989, Pinehills School from 1990 to 1997, and Durall Manufacturing in the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
Ken worshipped at Grace Bible, finding solace and strength in his faith.
In his free time, Ken enjoyed football, skiing, racquetball, hunting, fishing, and golf. He was also passionate about photography, tinkering, woodworking, and marathon tech support sessions. Ken had a special affinity for training dogs and was a dedicated fan of his beloved Grizzlies and Broncos.
A memorial service to celebrate Ken’s life will be held at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes in Miles City, Montana, on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by a family service at 4:30 PM.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Homes in Miles City, MT, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Ken Gardner will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will forever be cherished.
Mailing address: 406 Wells, Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday October 21, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Family Service
4:30 p.m.
Saturday October 21, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday October 21, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Family Service
4:30 p.m.
Saturday October 21, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Becky & Ed Gergen says
So sorry to hear that Ken passed. We really liked him and enjoyed visiting with him every time we saw him.
Daniel Boone says
Pat and Family:
This is a terrible shock. I am so sorry and hope that all goes well for you in the future.
Danny says
I’m so sorry to here Ken passed, your all in my prayers.
Terry Taylor says
Rest in peace Ken. I have many great memories of
growing up in Terry Montana.
Dee Bickle says
I’m sorry to hear about Ken’s passing!
Rest in peace. Prayers sent
Bruce Ingraham says
Rest in peace Ken. I enjoyed our visits at Macdonald’s and the shop. I will miss those.
BONNIE CURRAN says
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a classmate in Terry, MT. May he rest in Peace.
Jeff Faycosh says
Prayers of comfort for Ken’s family. I enjoyed working and shooting with Ken. His was certainly devoted to serving Miles City. He will be missed
Donna Orthman says
Pat and family, please accept my condolences for your loss. Didn’t see you and Ken often but always enjoyed our visits when we did. Hold the memories close to you.
Rhonda Sanford says
Pat, I am So Sorry to hear about Ken. I always enjoyed visiting with the two of you whenever you came into McDonald’s.. your in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracy Wansley says
I am so sorry to hear of Kens passing. I worked with Ken at Pine Hills for several years and he was always a kind man. When I saw him out in the community he would always take time to talk to me and ask me how I was doing. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Dannette Cremer says
I am so shocked to hear this. I just saw Ken at the last City Council meeting. I have enjoyed getting to know him the past several years – he would come to the office to discuss the ins and outs of flood insurance.
Carrie Etherington says
Oh friend, you will be so missed.
~Carrie Beach
Linda Hodgson says
So sorry to see this. Ken was a great guy. Enjoyed visiting with him when we would run into each other. Sympathy for the family
Nadine Rath says
Great THS class of ‘66 classmate and friend of mom’s…my condolences to Kenny’s family❤️
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Pat and all of Ken’s family and friends,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Keep all your beautiful memories close to your heart so they can comfort you in all the days ahead. My sincere condolences
Audrey Haumschild and Greg Blind says
So sorry Pat for loss of you husband. Condolences to all your family and his friends 🙏 😢
Butch and Julie Krutzfeldt says
Our deepest sympathy…such a nice man!
Michelle Simpson says
Pat, I am so very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with you and Ken, where ever we would meet rest in peace my friend until we meet again.
Pastor Phil and Pam Newby says
Ken always loved the song, “Ancient Words” at church. We know that he is now with the Author of those Words right now. Until we meet again, Ken! Our prayers are with the family.
Susanne Galbraith says
Pat and Family,
Please accept my sympathies at the loss of Ken. I enjoyed our time in City Council. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Samantha Malenovsky says
Ken were an absolute joy to work with. I enjoyed when you would come and visit me at City Hall and the humor you would bring. You will be dearly missed by all here at City Hall. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family.
Craig Dunnam says
I grew up with Ken in Terry, MT and went to High School with him where we played sports together. As I remember, Kenny had several very nice cars. Knowing Ken was a believer thrills my soul. As believers we are just passing through this place on our way to be with our Savior, Jesus Christ. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)
Susan (Ingraham) Velin says
So sorry to hear of Kenneth’s passing, I know he will be greatly missed. He is my cousin and I didn’t see him very often, but always enjoyed the visits. Thoughts and prayers for all of his family.
Harvey Chichester says
Ken had infectious enthusiasm. If it wasn’t a hula popping fishing lure on a Canoe trip, it was a new gun, vehicle, or upcoming 4th of July fireworks. There was always something exciting coming. On his 77th birthday it was his new tires. We will all be diminished by his passing. We were pals from the age of 10.
Judy Cole Wahlgren says
Ken was my brother in law but really more like a brother. He was fun, kind, talented and always full of adventure. I was lucky to be on a few of those fun adventures with him. I loved him! I will see you in heaven, Ken. My sincere condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.
David & Lynn Thulesen says
David & Lynn Thulesen Says
Ken will be missed, we are so sorry for your loss. He was a part of Lay Bible Classes in the past and fun to have as
someone who took part. Love and prayers to the family.
Nora Drew says
I’m so sorry to hear this. May God comfort you at this sad time.
Nora Drew
Mary vetch says
Sorry Pat and family of the loss of Ken. Ken was a great person he will be miss.
Charlie Christ says
Kenny, happy trails my friend, glad we got reacquainted before you left us. Sorry it didn’t work out to meet face to face again. Hope Joe told you he and I have gotten alot closer. The memories are all good buddy, you were always upbeat and full of ideas. Safe travels, hope I see you down the road, but not too soon
Ken & Janet Neumiller says
Pat and Family, we are very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He and I spent a lot of time together through grade school, high school and a year of college. Growing up in Terry there was always something we were doing together. Some of my fondest memories were our epic deer hunts north of Terry with Ken and my brother Roger. Lots of great, fun memories and adventures! RIP Old Friend.
Phyllis Anderson Stevens says
Pat, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband! Isn’t it great that you know you will see him again but until then you are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Leif E Ronning says
Sad to hear Ken is gone. I worked with Ken at Pine Hills and enjoyed his company . I will miss talking Griz football with Ken and was looking forward to telling him about the Brawl in the Wild this year. Leif
R. Curtis Reese says
Met Ken when I was briefly on the City Council. He sat next to me. Really liked him and once visited him in his home. He helped me sight in my new long 45 rifle. Often talked to Ken as we saw each other in stores, etc. was shocked he died at age 77 as he looked so slim & trim. Am grateful he had a personal relationship with The Lord Jesus! Sorry to miss the celebration at Grace as Gloria and I have Covid. Curtis Reese
Nancy Fillafer says
Ken & family, I’m so sorry for the loss of Ken. I was just getting to know him at church. Every time I met him going in church he was always friendly with smile on his face. He will be missed. God bless him.
Norm Clarke says
Kenny grew up in my neighborhood. Always quick with the smile even quicker either wit. RIP my friend.