KENNETH HARVEY KLETKE (KEN)

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KENNETH HARVEY KLETKE
March 23, 1939 - June 11, 2020

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Kenneth Harvey Kletke on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at Park Manor Personal Care Home, at the age of 81 years. Ken passed away peacefully, with family at his side.
Ken is survived by his loving wife Alice; children, Warren (Charlene), Cheryl (Rick), Stuart (Dawn) and Lois (Troy); grandchildren, Ryan, Kyle, Kristen (Dan), Ashley, Brent (Tia), Reid, Aryn (Caitlin), Derek (Haley), Trevor, Evan, Samantha and Connor; great-grandson Ryder; as well as his brother Leonard; sister Ruth; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Emily; son Bruce; siblings, Alvina (Valdine), Daniel and Walter (Wanda); and sister-in-law Bernice.
Ken was born in Carman, MB, and grew up in Teulon. He taught himself to play the guitar at a young age. Ken moved to the city as a teenager. On July 21, 1962, he literally "married the girl next door". They purchased a house in Transcona, enjoying over 50 years in the neighbourhood.
Ken joined "The Cavaliers" band and played at many a wedding. Their band was even featured on a Ukrainian music record. As the years went by, Ken continued jamming with good friends (Todd B., Gord, Todd S. and Roy). Ken was a welder by trade and even owned his own business for a number of years. He loved to make all kinds of things with his hands using wrought iron (living room set, guitar, violin, and banjo) and wooden everything (shuffle board, bean bag games, model sports cars, fancy planters, hope chests, deck chairs, a deck table with benches, a large eagle, plus a fence with fancy inlays). Ken made a beautiful wooden angel for the outdoor garden at the church and fun Halloween signs for the grandkids' annual sock hops at Joseph Teres School. His eye for detail was outstanding and he loved to create.
Ken purchased a lot at St. Malo when the family was young and had a shell for the cottage built. Leonard and family spent many weekends to help finish the inside. Lots of fun was had with bonfires and sleepovers. The adults played cards by kerosene lamp until the early hours of the morning. There was never a dull moment with seven kids around so lots of time was spent at the beach, canoeing, playing croquet, catching turtles, teaching kids how to cast a rod. At night the guitar came out and we sang all songs western until our throats were raw or Dad's fingers were.
Ken spent a lot of time driving the family out to visit family at the farm just west of Eden, as well as the one in Tenby. Many occasions - Christmas, Easter, weddings and summer break. He even helped hide a salamander on one ride home (Mom didn't know). Many laughs and good times were spent with family.
Dad believed in keeping busy so had no problem volunteering as a coach for peewee hockey, watching his boys play hockey and attending dance recitals for his daughters. He also loved to dance and "danced like no one was watching". Ken and Alice would sweep up the floor on a good polka or waltz. Many days were spent walking, biking, hiking and cross-country skiing. For many years, he curled and the family would come watch.
Ken loved his family, especially the 12 grandkids (plus one great-grandson) and enjoyed their visits. He attended many of their band concerts, enjoying all kinds of music. Lots of hockey games and some soccer games were attended over the years. With a few of the grandkids being the same age, Mom and Dad had to split up to attend a couple of graduation ceremonies on the same day.
Special thank you to Park Manor Care Home staff for the great care you gave Ken for over seven years.
Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, a private service and interment are being planned by invitation only. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Park Manor Care Home, 301 Redonda Street, Winnipeg, MB R2C 1L7.

Memories and condolences can be
shared with the family online at www.voyagefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2020