Ken was born on June 7, 1924 in Ogden, Utah to Nellie Knight Dana and Edward S. Dana. He was their 6th child of 5 boys and 4 girls.
He received his education in Ogden, Utah. When World War II began he was drafted in the Army in 1943, and was discharged in 1945 after the war ended in Europe.
After the war, Ken and his 2 brothers, Max & Lee, started a trucking business hauling gravel on road construction for contractors. While working in Kemmerer, Wyoming, Ken met his 1st wife, Elsie Galici and they were married in October 1948.
In 1950 Ken and his brothers came to Helena, Montana and secured the contract to haul all of the cement, sand, and gravel for the Canyon Ferry Dam, lasting from 1951-1954. After the dam was completed they continued to make Helena their home base and continued hauling gravel all over Montana, including Glasgow Air Base, Noxon Dam and many state highways.
In 1966, Ken and Max started Big Sky Ready Mix Concrete business and poured concrete in many houses and business buildings in Helena and the surrounding towns- Lincoln, Boulder, Townsend, and even White Sulphur Springs, as there were no ready mix concrete in those towns at the time. They sold their business in 1986 and retired, Ken 62, and Max 66.
In 1970, Ken and Elsie divorced, but remained friends for the sake of the children and grandchildren.
In 1971, Ken met and married his 2nd wife, Betty Roe Armagost. After retiring, Ken and Betty spent many enjoyable winters at their home in Arizona.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, 6 siblings, his second wife Betty in 2006, and a son, Ray in 2014.
He is survived by his 1st wife, Elsie, four children, Mead (Debbie), Dennis (Lisa), Gary, and Linda (Bob) Cronholm, and step children, Larry (Marcia) Armagost, Kathy (Howard) Johnson, Steve (Deena) Armagost, 2 sisters, Beth Fisher, and Valerie Hobbs, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, step grandchildren and even two great great grandchildren. Ken will be buried next to his 2nd wife, Betty, at Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery.
A Viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2019 with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 p.m. all at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. A Reception will be held after the burial at the Eagles Lodge #16, 801 N Fee St. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ken.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
After the service
Friday April 5, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Friday April 5, 2019
Eagles Lodge #16
801 N. Fee St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
After the service
Friday April 5, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Friday April 5, 2019
Eagles Lodge #16
801 N. Fee St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Dana Families,
Knew Ken (and Betty) back in the early seventies when I was in high school. I remember he was a jovial fun person and he seemed to always have a grin/smile on his face. He was a hard worker but also enjoyed his family time. May all the wonderful memories you hold close within your heart sustain you in the days ahead, until you all meet again. RIP Ken.
Rhonda (Strainer) Robertson
Thomas Juhl says
Sorry to ofthe passing of Ken, my prayers go out to the Dana Families…….
Steve and Deena Armogost says
I have many great memories of growing up as a part of the Dana clan and of Ken being a father figure. One thing I think I can say with confidence, is that now that Ken is “up there”, you can be certain there’s going to be a lot of pig roasts. Deena has even more memories of the wonderful Dana and Haggerty get togethers.
Linda Grady says
I knew Ken and Betty, everyone for 9 years and I thought he was the greatest person. Friendly, warm, funny, and a go, go person. Hardly every sat down. My thoughts and prayers with all the family going this time of laying Ken to rest.
Evelyn Dana Giles and Bruce Edward Dana says
There is a wonderful reunion going on the other side of the veil, especially with his mother. They said they were very close. We always thought highly of Uncle Ken. We will remember his roasting a pig at our Dana reunions and him taking a car load of us to see The Bridge on the River Kwii . He was always good natured. I loved his his distinct laugh. Sorry we couldn’t come to see all of you, but sending our love. I am in Las Vegas visiting our daughter, Bruce just returned from Hawaii. I am also six weeks out from having rotor cuff surgery. We will be with you in spirit. Love Bruce & Evelyn Giles and Bruce and Brenda Dana
Corey Dunn says
Grandpa Ken,
Had a bunch of fun memories in Wolf Creek at the Land, taking a cruise up A Mountain in Tucson, and riding the kids 4 wheeler up and down the driveway.
Love Ya!
Corey
Marv St Clair says
Having worked for Ken, I developed deep respect for this man for several of life lessons he taught me. One I implemented immediately, still use today, and have passed on to all our children, “When you get out there on the job site, give them everything they ask for and something extra!” Ken was a good man, an inspiring one.
My condolences to the Dana clan.
IUOE Local 400 Board, Members and Staff says
Our condolences to the family. May it comfort you to know how many caring thoughts are with you at this sad time
Marilyn Dana says
To the Dana Family I was sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I know he will be dearly missed by all of you as he was a wonderfully man. The last time I saw him at Wal-Mart we sat on the bench and had a good talk and Ill remember that day as he was always good to me.
Sandy Owens says
To the Dana family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I did not know him but i heard a lot of Good story”s from his Granddaughter Erica.
Bill Redd says
Ken and my parents, Bill and Eleanor, were friends in early 60s. I worked the summer of 1966 for Ken and Max. I learned a lot. We remained friends over the years. I always liked Ken. He was a good guy. Prayers to all the Dana family.