Kenneth Gene Gandenberger

Kenneth Gene Gandenberger was born November 24, 1941 in Whitehall, Montana, to Albert H. Gandenberger Sr. and his wife, Alma L. (Comer). After Graduating from Whitehall High School, Ken enlisted in the Air Force. After basic training, he was stationed at Wurtsmith A.F.B. in Oscoda, Michigan. There, he met and married Shirley M. Daniels, the "love of his life." They were married for over fifty-five years and shared one daughter, Suzanne Lynne.

Ken's Air Force days took him to an isolated tour to Goose Bay, Labrador, where he was a radar tech for the 101 fighter jets. He was next stationed at Bergstrom A.F.B. in Austin, Texas. After eight years of service, Ken went to work for the BLM in Billings, Montana, as a 2-way radio technician from 1968 to 1983. As radio technician, Ken worked with SCS (SNOTEL) building sites in all areas of the Bob Marshall Wilderness where he monitored moisture levels in snow and rain.

Ken retired December 1995 from civil service and moved to Pony, Montana. Pony felt like home because of Ken's many visits to his grandma and grandpa, Tom and Mary Comer. He had fond childhood memories hunting with his brothers, Don and Bob, for deer, elk and pheasants in the Tobacco Root Mountains and fishing on the Madison and Jefferson Rivers. He began his retirement by remodeling his hunting cabin and making it their home. He also found he loved to attend government auctions where he purchased old computers reselling salvaged parts.

Ken is proceeded in death by his parents Albert and Alma Gandenberger and brothers: Albert, Tom and Bob. He is survived by his brother Don of Missoula, his wife, Shirley of Pony; daughter Suzanne L. (Jerry) Schaul, Grandsons: Dylan (Taylor) Schaul, Wade Schaul and Tanner Schaul. Also, many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 am at K & L Mortuary in Harrison, burial directly after at the Pony Cemetery. A luncheon reception will follow the services at Pony's Hollowtop Senior Center. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Madison Valley Hospital or the Madison Valley Manor.