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. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ken.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 3, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday February 3, 2017
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday February 3, 2017
The Eagles Lodge #16
801 N. Fee Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 3, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday February 3, 2017
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday February 3, 2017
The Eagles Lodge #16
801 N. Fee Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Jeff and Penny Kunda says
Shelbi and Michael we are so sorry for the loss of your grandpa ….we are here if you need us
Diane Rushford says
Stacy,
My thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time. Please know I am thinking of you and your children. Love to you all!
Kristen summers and kids says
Stacy and kids,
We are so sorry for your loss, keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of love.
Don Prattg says
Stacy. I am so sorry to here of the passing of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Dad and I were good friends over the years. I wont be able to attend the funeral because I am at Amy’s in Texas.
Carrie Stotts says
Staci, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad was one of a kind and he will be missed by a lot of people. Please take care of yourself and the kids and then let some one take care of you. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Shiann says
I miss my grandpa so much, i have been hurt for so long, i love u grandpa n i will be here when ever u need i love and miss u