Kenneth L. Gunther, age 74, passed away on December 20, 2013 at his home in Broadus, MT.
Kenneth Levern Gunther was born on August 4, 1939 in Broadus, MT; the son of John and Georgina (Sorlein) Gunther. Ken grew up and attended schools in Broadus graduating from Powder RiverHigh School in 1958. During those years he excelled at football, basketball and baseball.
Following high school Ken enlisted in the United States Navy in 1958 where he served for six years before being honorably discharged in 1964. After the Navy Ken returned to Broadus to work at the family business, the Broadus Truck Stop. He also worked for Midland Lumber Co before beginning a 40 year career as an equipment operator for Powder River County Road Department.
Ken met the love of his life, Karen Ann Moutrey, in 1963 when she was a sophomore in high school. They were married on February 29, 1964. The fact that they married on Leap Day was a source of much teasing between the two of them. Their family grew every couple years with Kevin John arriving in 1964, Kenton Merle in 1966 and Karla Ann in 1969.
Ken loved sports and was very competitive, a trait that he passed on to the next generations of his family. He loved the New York Yankees and fulfilled a life long dream when he attended a game in their home stadium. He also loved Green Bay Packers football and again, crossed one off his bucket list when he finally made it to Lambeau Field in 2012.
Ken was passionate about golf and enjoyed many happy hours playing with family & friends. He also collected Hot Wheel cars. The local store owners even called Ken to let him know when a new shipment of cars came in. His grandkids loved “Papa’s room” which is completely packed full with his collectibles. Above all else, Ken loved and was very proud of his family. His kids will miss his knowledge and skill when working on home carpentry & mechanical projects. His grand-children will miss their Papa being at their various activities; cheering them on with ear-splitting wolf whistles that let them know he was in attendance. He was a much loved Papa to his grand-children as well as to many of the children that came through Karen’s daycare.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Karen Gunther; two sons, Kevin (Denise) Gunther of Henderson, NV, Kent (Gwen) Gunther of Miles City; one daughter, Karla (Kathy Davis) Gunther of North Las Vegas, NV; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Georgine.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 23, 2013 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Powder River Congregational. Interment with full military honors will follow in the ValleyViewCemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire memorials can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday December 23, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 East Wilson Street
Broadus, MT 59317
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 26, 2013
Powder River Congregational Church
309 West Wilson Street
Broadus, MT 59317
Interment with Full Military Honors
Thursday December 26, 2013
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, MT 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday December 23, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 East Wilson Street
Broadus, MT 59317
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 26, 2013
Powder River Congregational Church
309 West Wilson Street
Broadus, MT 59317
Interment with Full Military Honors
Thursday December 26, 2013
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, MT 59317
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Carol Schneidt says
Karen and family! Just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow! May God watch over all of you!
Klayton and Mary Jane Rogge says
Karen and family, We were so saddened by Ken’s passing. Here’s hoping that the memories of all of the good times with Ken will help you thru this time of loss and sorrow. God bless and know you will be united again in a better place.
Cali Hilliard Baker says
Oh Karen, I am saddened to hear this news. Please accept my condolences and love. Sending you hugs from Georgia.
tammy & john schoenbeck says
so sorry for your loss, ken was an awesome man, he will be missed greatly
Veda says
Karen and Family: I am so sorry, he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers with you and yours.
Don & Linda Cook Nybakken says
Karen & Family: So sorry to hear of your sad & shocking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ArLynn and Walter Archer says
Dear Karen, Kevin, Kent, Karla and families,
Please accept our wishes for your family to be able to celebrate Ken’s life and many happy memories.
Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
Dear Karen & family:
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you. So sorry to hear of your shocking loss!
Please know that we are here, if anything we can do.
I am sure that there is a place in heaven for golf…& no paying quarters.
Monty and Sheila Haselhuhn says
Karen and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. Mandie still remembers him and we left before she was two! He had a soft spot for all those children you cared for for so many years. Keep his memories in your heart and he will be with you forever.
Carol Mellor Hanrahan says
Dear Karen & family,
We’re so sorry for your loss! Ken was always such a good person ….. lots of friends share in your loss. Hold all your memories close until you see him again. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol & Randy
Skin and Betty Collins says
Dear Karen and family. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time in your lives. Cherish the wonderful memories you all had together. Skin enjoyed the time he golfed with Ken on the men’s league. And Donnie thought so much of him when they worked together for the county. Prayers and hugs to all of you. You are in our thoughts. Love Skin and Betty.
Kathy Nance Dietz says
Karen,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are all in my prayers. We all have fun memories of Ken & I know you have many to cherish as well. Sending big hugs your way!
Kathy
Pete Stabio says
Karen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss…I have many fond memories of the twelve years that Ken and I were classmates. We had great times playing sports and Ken was always one of the best players on the field. He was a wonderful friend and I cherish my memories of Ken.
Pete
Pam & Dave Nisley says
Karen and family~ We are here for you if there is any way we can help. All of us are in shock, please know we are praying for all of you, to feel to loving arms of Jesus wrapped around each one. We pray you feel His comfort. Dave really enjoyed Ken’s friendship, their coffee times together – Your Ken’s smile would light the whole room:) Blessings and Hugs ! Pam & Dave
Pat Franklin says
Dear Karen and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close to your heart , then apart of Ken will always be with you.
Bill and Dina Gay says
We are so sorry for your loss. Many thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Roxie Davis says
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Always.
Lewis & Marla says
Karen and family our thoughts and prayers are with you
Leo and Jo Jurica says
Karen and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss…may you feel the comfort of our Lord.
Cora Mae Ofstie says
Karen, my thoughts and Prayers are with you and your kids at this difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss of your husband. May God’s love hold and strengthen you…
Kistia (Johnson) Golie says
Karen, Kent, Gwen and Family
Steven, Wyatt and I send our thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time. I was so sad to hear of your loss. Hold your memories of Ken close to your heart during this time. In Gods Love! Kistia
Bob Cook says
Karen and Family,
So sad to learn of Ken’s passing. He was a true competitor, and was always nice to have on your side. My thoughts are with you, and your family.
Bob Cook
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with the Gunther family at this time. God Bless all of you!
Judy Denson-Keller
Wayne Jr. & Serena Wetherelt says
Karen and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of your loved one. Know that you are in our prayers and may you find comfort in the memories you have of Ken. Take care.
Wayne Wetherelt Jr.
Vern and Andrea Rice says
Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you
The Bidwell Family says
Our condolences Many memories of Ken and his family growing up in Crane Acres.I will always remember his called third strike in baseball when he was umpiring,the pool games in the basement probably still some blue chalk marks on the ceiling and the Gunthers Christmas Lights. Many more memories to numerous to mention them all.Take Care our thoughts are with you.
Jack and Virginia Houser says
Dear Karen, so sorry for your loss. Ken was a good friend that we did not get to see often enough. Our thoughts are prayers are with you at this time.
Jack and Virginia
Ann McGinnis (Rogge) says
Dearest Karen and Family,
I just heard about the loss of Cousin Kenneth. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your love for Ken will always keep him with you. Love, Ann,
Gary Rogge says
It is easy enough to be happy
When life flows along like a song;
But the man worth while
Is the man who will smile
When everything goes wrong.
For the test of the heart is trouble,
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth
The homage of earth
Is the smile that shines through tears.
Karen & Family, may God the Father bless you, Christ the Son give you strength and the Holy Spirit give you peace. My prayers for you.
Gary Rogge (cousin)
Jan, Tammy & Jason Evans and family says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers! May you feel comfort with a lifetime of memories to turn to. We, too, share and think back on those memories. Your friendship through time is what life is truly about. And Tammy & Jason, as children, always felt welcome and safe in you and Ken’s home…thank you for that. God bless you all!
Helen (Viker) Lee and family says
We were so sorry to hear about Ken’s death, Karen. We know that you, your family, and the community of Broadus will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may God give you peace to comfort you in the days to come. Remember all the good times you and your family shared with Ken. Share your memories with one another and encourage each other to talk about those good memories. This is part of the mourning process. Keep a journal about your thoughts and feelings, too. This helps so much!
Your frieind, Helen