Kenneth (Ken) Kristenson, 76, of Chehalis, Washington passed away on Sept. 21, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. Ken was born to Kermit and Verva Kristenson on Jan. 17, 1947. He grew up with his siblings in Motley, Minnesota on the family farm. After attending the University of Minnesota with a degree in Agricultural Education, he traveled to Alaska where he spent the next three decades teaching high school and college classes. He retired to Washington State and eventually found a home in Chehalis.
During his time in Alaska, Ken developed an interest in flying and earned his private pilot’s license, spending many hours flying his plane throughout Alaska and across the United States. Ken was an active community volunteer throughout his life. In Alaska, he participated in the Civil Air Patrol, Search and Research, President of Nome Education Association and Nome Rotary. In Washington he taught at Centralia Community College, was a Guardian ad Litem and an active member of the Chehalis Methodist Church.
Ken leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Ellen (Haskin), and his children Campbell (Malinda) and Eric, as well as grandchildren. He is survived by his mother Verva Kristenson, his brothers Don and Kevin, and his sister Janice. He was preceded in death by his father Kermit Kristenson.
Please join us in celebrating Ken’s life. The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 at the Chehalis United Methodist Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com for the Kristenson family.
