Our beloved father, grandfather and friend Kenneth “Ken” Edward Loessberg of Townsend, MT passed away of natural causes at 89 years of age on the afternoon of February 6th, 2020 in Helena, MT.
Ken was born to Clarence and Dorothy Loessberg in San Antonio, TX on November 24th, 1930. He spent his early life in Texas with his parents and his 3 siblings Gary, Carol, and Robert.
At the young age of 16, Ken took a trip to Montana and fell in love with its beauty. During that trip, he vowed that he would move to Montana someday. At age 18 he decided to pack his bags and follow his dreams of living in the beautiful Big Sky Country! He then started the journey of being “Dad” to 14 kids over the course of many years. Although Ken loved Montana, his Texas roots ran deep and he returned often to visit family back home.
He began his employment as a “Railroad Man” in 1957. He was known by his co-workers as “Red.” He dedicated 35 years to being a section foreman and track inspector. He was a railroader through and through. He retired in 1992 and spent the remainder of his time with his 14 children (9 biological, 5 step-children), his many grandchildren, and his partner and love of 28 years, Norene Sears.
Ken loved music and was a very talented musician. He spent a lifetime playing guitar and singing for anyone who would listen, and boy did people love his music. He and Norene were “snowbirds” for 17 years, and traveled to Yuma, AZ during the colder Montana months. While in Yuma, Ken organized a Jam Session group that would put on performances for the RV park community they stayed in. Ken enjoyed walking his best friend and dog, “Buddy” along the canal.
In his early years, Ken enjoyed horseback riding and even took up the hobby of bowling with his sons. He would tell you that he loved it because they made up the whole bowling team.
Ken loved the great outdoors of Montana and took advantage of any chance to hunt, fish and camp. While camping, he was always “head cook,” and never turned down an opportunity to share a meal with his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved taking them out on the boat in the summer months. His grandkids affectionately called him “Poppy.” Ken enjoyed sharing his wisdom of outdoor sports and telling stories to his kids, and grandkids. He found true peace in being out in nature.
Ken and Norene loved to travel together. They traveled to 6 different countries throughout Europe and enjoyed a Mexican Cruise. In addition to travel, Ken enjoyed joining Norene in playing pinochle at the senior center in Townsend each Wednesday and Friday. He loved all of the friends he made while playing cards.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Dorothy Loessberg, brother Robert Loessberg, step-daughter Vicki Williams, and man’s best friend “Buddy.”
Ken is survived by his love of 28 years Norene Sears. Brother Gary Loessberg (Linda), and sister Carol Kime. He is survived by his 13 kids Don Loessberg, Bill Loessberg, David Loessberg (Tana), Jim Loessberg (Irene), Steve Loessberg (Katie), Susie Klompien (Chad), Dan Loessberg, KG Loessberg, Doug Loessberg, Vonnie Gorman (Lanny), Vallie Hulden (Gil), Merla Wilkerson (Brady), and Marla Andrus (Paul). He is also survived by 30 grandkids, 47 great-grandkids, and one great-great-grandchild. He was a family man and his family will miss him greatly.
A funeral service for the public will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home in Townsend, MT on February 15th at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow to be announced. A private burial will take place at Deep Creek Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Ken to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. Monetary donations can be sent via check to 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or can be made online at www.stjude.org.
The family of Ken would like to give special thanks to the many staff at St. Peter’s Hospital and the Broadwater County EMT crew who worked diligently during Ken’s last moments to provide comfort and care to both him and his family. They truly did an incredible job!
In Ken’s own words “I loved Norene very much for taking such good care of me in my later years. I loved all of my children. I loved and enjoyed playing music in the band. I loved Montana!”
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Kenneth.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 15, 2020
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Kay Tandberg says
So sorry fo your loss. Ken was a good friend he will be missed by many. Good memories of Ken and Dorene in Yuma,Az
Merla Wilkerson says
Poppy…we are all going to miss you so very much. Thank you for everything and for all the wonderful memories and love. We will take care of Mom. You go rest easy until we meet again.
Brady & Merla
Carol Kime says
So many great memories of our family gatherings/reunions. The last being just this past September when we , my brother Gary and wife Linda & myself, Carol, came up from Texas and stayed & visited with Ken & Noreen for a few days an had a wonderful quality time with them & family get together and to top it all off on the last evening we were there we got Ken to get his guitar out, put on his western hat and sang some good ole country songs out on the back patio. So very grateful for the memories, that precious last time together. Thank you God for the many blessings, and until we meet again, Ken, peace be with you,
With love, Carol
Linda A Fisher Crowe says
I am sorry for your loss. I hadn’t seen Ken in many years but I have very fond memories from my childhood, spending time with family and all my cousins, there was always music and singing. Treasured times.
Russell Roe says
Kenny was our main singer in our band *** THE GHOST RIDERS *** in Three Forks, Montana for 10-12 years from the late 60’s until the early 80’s. We played almost every weekend , had a good following, and it was in the days of the dance floor being full and everybody enjoying the music. Kenny knew almost every country song ever written and we all enjoyed playing music with him. When I was younger Kenny was always playing music in my father’s bar and I would go listen whenever I could. At the time little did I know that later in life I would have the honor of playing in a band with him. It is with a sad heart that I type this. I will always miss Kenny and never forget him. R.I.P. Kenny
Gary Dean Loessberg says
I might add a little bit that I know but has not yet been mentioned. About 1948, when I was 3 years old, Texas lost a real cowboy to Montana. There he worked on the Sun Ranch, lived in a bunkhouse and worked cattle from horse back (no helicopters or ATV’s in those days). Ken fell in love there with Montana and with the ranch foreman’s Daughter Betty and they had 3 boys. They all came back to Texas for a couple of years when I was a very young Uncle Gary to Donny, Billy and Davy. It didn’t take long for them to get homesick for Montana and so back they went. After that I remember taking a vacation trip with my family and I believe they were still living on the Sun Ranch. Ken broke his back working cattle and after a long recuperation he eventually started working for the railroad. Those are just a few of my childhood memories.
Ken, may you ride and sing “The Four Strong Winds” through the Big Skies of Montana forever. Love ya, Gary
Brian Loessberg says
First time I met Uncle Ken I was about 6 It was about 1969 . He had horses and I was able to ride a Shetland pony he had. It was just my size . Uncle Ken instantly was my favorite and I always looked forward to going back . It was 1998 before I returned with many of our Texas family to enjoy a great family reunion . It was the first of many reunions Where we enjoyed time spent with Uncle
Ken . We are sure going to miss him . Love and prayers to all he’s touched over his time 😊
Martha G. Loessberg says
Uncle Kenneth was such a nice man. I really enjoyed talking to him when he would come visit in Texas. (Many interesting stories) I enjoyed all of the family reunions and was glad to have been at the last one in Montana. We all had such a wonderful time & that’s how I’m going to remember him. We all had a Wonderful time in Big Sky with a Great Dinner & a Fun singing session with Uncle Kenneth & Sons. RIP Uncle Kenneth 🙏❤️ My condolences to your Family
Angela Allen says
Merla, you & your whole family are in my thoughts & prayers.
Linda Loessberg says
I met Ken and Noreen this past September when I visited with my husband Gary and his sister Carol. We had such a wonderful visit! I enjoyed listening to Gary, Carol and Ken talking about old times and going through old photos. We did have a mini reunion while we were there so a lot of of the family was together. Ken was the perfect tour guide and showed us many beautiful places. However I will never forget our last evening with Ken and Noreen. I managed to get Ken to get his guitar and cowboy hat out and sing some good ol country music for us. It didn’t take a lot of convincing either. I have many videos of him singing that we will treasure forever. Is a lot of ways he reminded me of my Dad so my eyes were clouded with tears a lot.
I know that Noreen misses him terribly. I so enjoyed meeting her also and visiting. Happy Trails…….Until we meet again Ken.
Michelle says
Dearest Norene and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I didn’t know Ken well, but he was always very kind the times we did see him. I’m sending you all my love.
Dru Paul says
My heart goes out to the Loessberg family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Kenny when I was a kid as the dad to my friends. I know the five boys Don, Bill, David, Jim and Steve. Kenny was a wonderful man who could sing and play like no other. As I grew to an adult I remember dancing to his music. Thank you Ken for passing on your musical talents to your boys I hope they passed it down to their kids.Love and hugs boys may Kenny sing with the angels. Love Dru Paul
Christi Williams says
Irene and Jim, I’m praying for you in this time of loss. – Christi Williams of Helena
Shelley Gregory says
I am Linda Loessberg’s sister. While I never met Kenneth, Linda shared many videos with me while she and Gary were visting him in September. I loved seeing him play the guitar and sing , especially Four Strong Winds! What an interesting man with a wonderful rich life. I wish had had the opportunity to meet him. My condolences to his entire family, it is so hard to lose those that we love. May beautiful memories of Kenneth bring you peace always.
Sincerely,
Shelley Gregory
Long Beach, CA
bob todd says
kenny was a damn good man, i knew him for years and worked for him on the railroad.all the best to his bunch at this sad time, bob todd
three forks
Sharie Babb says
Sending condolences and prayers.
Laura Smith says
Read with sadness the passing of a wonderful man. We knew the family well in Manhattan, Mt. My sisters and I were of similar ages to all the boys and attended school together as well as spending lots of time hanging out. Don especially, received Ken’s gift of a beautiful voice. I haven’t seen any of them since 1966 but have such fond memories of all. Kenny is singing in our hearts forever