Kenneth B. Scharpen, 79, of Grants Pass, OR passed away on March 23, 2023. He was born in Red Wing, MN on December 19, 1943 to Alvin and Dorothy Scharpen. He graduated from Red Wing High School in 1961. On June 30, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Katheryn (Kathy) Weflen, and they were married for 40 years until Kathy died in 2003. On January 13, 2007 he married Jacquelin (Jackie) Hamilton and they were married for 16 years.
Ken proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1962 through 1967. He was stationed in the Philippines, Kansas, and California before heading back to Minnesota as a civilian. Ken was blessed to parent five children who were born between 1964 and 1975. In 1976 he moved his family to Oregon. Ken had a passion early on for building houses and with woodworking in general, and in his later years ran his own carpentry business. He enjoyed being a father, taking great joy in faithfully attending his children’s sporting events and other extracurricular activities. Early in his retirement he and Jackie relocated to Surprise, AZ and also spent a few years enjoying the RV lifestyle. After a short time, the Northwest called them back to Grants Pass. Ken enjoyed spending time with family, talking about religion and politics, traveling around the country, and watching sports (especially Oregon Ducks football) in his La-Z-Boy recliner. March Madness was his favorite sporting event of the year.
Ken grew up in a Christian home, received Jesus as his personal Savior, and his faith continued to be very important throughout his life. He took great encouragement in knowing he would spend eternity with Jesus and his loved ones.
Ken is survived by his wife, Jacquelin of Grants Pass, OR; his five children, Randy (Sandy) Scharpen of Bonneau, SC; Laurie (Thom) Cunningham of Gresham, OR; Mark Scharpen of Franktown, CO; Scott (Carolyn) Scharpen of Murrieta, CA; and Brian (Delynn) Scharpen of Grants Pass, OR; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; Jackie’s children Eric Ross of Edwards, CO; Brian Ross (Denaire Britton) of Saginaw, MI; Selena Ross (Eddy Bringelson) of Happy Valley, OR; Rachel (Mike) Scanlon of Grants Pass, OR; Molly (Josh) Ward of Grants Pass, OR; and Charles Hamilton Jr. of Tigard, OR; nine grandchildren; and older brother Ron (Eileen) of St. Peter, MN.
A viewing will be held on April 7, 2023 beginning at 9:00am at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home with the memorial service immediately following at 11:00am. Burial will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Happy Valley, OR at 1:30pm. Charitable donations in Ken’s honor may be made to Best Friends Animal Society or your local Humane Society. Please visit www.batemancarrollfunerals.com to share your thoughts and fond memories with the family.
