Ken was born on May 29, 1946, in Oakland, California to Earl and Jean Viertel. As one of four children, he has been preceded in death by his sister Kaaren (d. 2021) and beloved brother Wayne (d. 1987). His sister Vickie currently resides in Missouri.
Before settling down and starting his own family, Ken lived a life of adventure. In his young adulthood he embarked on rock climbing adventures stretching from Colorado to Joshua Tree National Park, eventually landing in the ultimate climbing mecca of Yosemite National Park. Many months were spent at the
now infamous Camp 4 along the base of granite cliffs near Yosemite Falls. When not climbing towering cliffs and vertical monoliths, time at Camp 4 was spent in fellowship with others of the rock-climbing community with good company, music, and wine around the campfire. Seeking further wild exploits, he and his brother Wayne decided on a whim in 1968 to ditch the lower 48 to see what the great state of Alaska had to offer. The untamed wilderness of the Last Frontier made for many more years of exploration during Ken’s voyage in life.
Several years after his arrival in Alaska, while attending a Christmas party, Ken met Susan Dallas. They began their life together in marriage on April 12, 1977, with daughters Jill (b. 1971) & Michelle (b. 1973) in tow. Daughter Stephannie followed in 1978.
Ken spent his career in the construction industry building homes in Alaska and California before moving on to more complex projects in Seattle, Washington in 1997. He felt very deeply that he was an integral part of helping people attain the American Dream of homeownership and always demanded excellence from himself in the pursuit of his work.
Ken attained the title of Father-In-Law in 2007 when Håkan Karlsson, of Sweden, married his daughter Stephannie and once again when Jason Luna, of Washington, married Michelle in 2010. His grandson, Magnus Maximus Karlsson, further exalted him to the title of Grandfather on September 26, 2008. Hours spent playing with Grandpa’s incredible train table and trips to the Great Northern & Cascade Railway will forever live in Magnus heart.
Ken repeatedly stated throughout his life that he was “the richest man in the world.” He leaves behind a legacy that beautifully encapsulates the essence of true wealth: the sincere and genuine relationships we cherish are the ultimate markers of prosperity in our lives.
He will be profoundly missed.
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