English Funeral Chapels & Crematory - Memorial & Guest Registry

Ken Sturgis
Kenneth Owen Sturgis

July 25, 1938 ~ December 9, 2003

Services were Saturday, December 13, 2003, at Falls Christian Assembly, 1687 E. Horsehaven Ave., Post Falls.

Kenneth Owen Sturgis, 65, long-time resident of Rathdrum, died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene.

Ken was born July 25, 1938, to Violet and Paul Sturgis. He devoted his life to his Savior, his wife and their family. He served in the Air Force.

A truly devoted Christian, Ken was known for his generosity, love towards others and joy in serving. He continually gave of himself unselfishly and is now collecting his reward in heaven.

An avid outdoorsman, Ken loved hiking, cycling, running and long scenic motorcycle rides with his wife, Rose, and their close friends. He and his wife belong to the St. Stanislaus Kosta Catholic Church and Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). He also belonged to The Knights Club.

Ken was preceded in death by his father Paul and mother Violet.

Survivors include his brother, Jerry Sturgis, of Coeur d'Alene; Ken's wife of 44 years, Rose; daughters and their families: Cathy and John Whallon, granddaughters Melanie and Laurie, Cheney Wash., Cheryl and Phil Lott, grandchildren Crystal, Melissa and Ryan, Post Falls; sons and their families: Kenny and JoAnna Sturgis, grandson Adam, Gig Harbor Wash., Paul Sturgis, Post Falls, and Matthew Sturgis, Twin Lakes.

The family suggests donations in Ken's memory be made to Christian Motorcyclists Association, Panhandle Peace Riders, in care of Chuck Sturmer, 615 Opal, Hayden ID 83835.

__________________________________________________
Name: kathy casper
City: priest river
State: idaho
Country: usa
Email: kathy.casper@verizon.net
Date: 12-12-2003

I had just gotten to know kenny and max as he was in this area working for verizon. what a wonderful person who was always thinking of others. his goodness of heart shone like a star and brightened my day.

god will truely be happy to welcome kenny into his arms for eternity.

kathy casper

__________________________________________________
Name: dondavis
City: postfalls
State: ida
Email: dgddavis@hotmail.com
Date: 12/12/03

__________________________________________________
Name: Lee and Tricia Barnes
City: Seattle
State: Washington
Email: landtbarnes@qwest.net
Date: Dec. 11 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

__________________________________________________
Name: Butch Combo
City: Coeur d' Alene
State: Id.
Email: butchbob@icehouse.net
Date: 12/12/03

All of us will miss one of the kindest, gentlest men we have ever had cross our paths. The only rest we can have is knowing that he is with the Lord for ever.

I'm sure he was greeted with, "well done good and faithful servant." My hope for the family is for them to go on with strength and leadership Ken gave to all of us when we were blessed with his presence.

I look forward to meeting him in the next life and believ as he did that that will happen.

God bless you Rose in this trying time.

__________________________________________________
Name: Marge Hutchison and Family
City: Post Falls,
State: Id
Country: US
Email: mahutch@adelphia.net
Date: Dec 12

Our Love and Prayers are with the Family. If there is anyway we can be of help please give us a call. 777-2763
Ken has been of great help to the Falls Christian Assembly for many years, with constructing props, videos, and being faithful to God and His work. His smiling presence will greatly be missed! God's grace is sufficient. May God's comfort and presence be with you all in the days to come.
Marge, Coys, Watkins and Koontz

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Name: Rory & Anita Powell
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: RoryPowell26@hotmail.com
Date: 12/12/03

To the Sturgis Family-

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all of you at this time of sorrow.

Fondly-
Rory & Anita Powell

__________________________________________________
Name: Bill & Carol Travis
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: Idaho
Email: wetri@htomail.com-
Date: 12/12/03

Dear Rose & Family,
Bill & I wanted to send our deep condolences to you and your family.
We wanted you to know how much Ken ment to us. We aren't very good about writing stuff down but will give it a try. We have such great memories of bicycle rides long ago with Ken. Bill saw Ken many times during the week at Verison and always enjoyed their talks. Did you know that Ken started Bill on his first long bike ride called the "Hoodo Loop" many years ago. In these past years Bill has completed 16 Ironman races and numerous marathons and two day bike rides all due to Ken helping get him started. We will remember Ken riding his bike with Bill on those long rides and how much fun they had. We will keep him in our memories forever.
Love Bill & Carol

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Name: Bill & Carol Cox
City: Careywood
State: Id.
Email: nomad1id@gte.ne
Date: 12-12-03

I've known Ken for thirty years, in all that time I have never heard him utter a curse word or say anything bad about anyone. He was always ubeat an in a good mood, it made you feel good just to be around him. A finer man you'll never find ! I salute you Ken Sturgis, God rest.

Sincerely; Bill Cox

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Name: Ted and Kate Austin
City: Post Falls
State: Id
Email: tjhd46@netzero.com
Date: Dec. 12, 2003

Ken will always be remembered by us as the strong, silent, dependable and always giving person. A friend to everyone, always there with an encouraging word and through his actions you knew he cared, about each and everone of us.
Ken will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
See you in Heaven brother Ken.

__________________________________________________
Name: donna fritzsche
City: rathdrum
State: idaho
Country: usa
Email: dlfritz@povn.com
Date: 12-12-03

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Name: Walt and Janet Edelblute
City: Rathdrum
State: Idaho
Email: jsedelblute@yahoo.com
Date: Dec. 12, 2003

Dear Rose and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ken was a very special man and will be truly missed.

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Name: Dick & Mary Hassler
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Email: kd7bgh@juno.com
Date: 12-12-03

Rose, Ken was a wonderful and caring person. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you.

Dick & Mary

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Name: Cal & NancyJane Tucker
City: Greenacres
State: WA
Country: USA
Email: njphototake@msn.com
Date: 12/12/2003

Our heart just broke at the news of Kens passing. Our sympathy and condolences go out to Rose and their family. We had just seen Ken & Rose at The CMA Christmas party. What I remember most that night was Ken carrying around his little dachshound dog and every time I saw him he always had such a big smile on his face, and that is how I will remember him. God Bless him in heaven and his family here on earth.

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Name: Bob & Margaret Thomson
City: Athol
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: bthomson58@yahoo.com
Date: 12/12/03

Our Prayers and thoughts are with Rose and her family always. One of our greatest joys was to visit with Rose & Ken after mass & plan the motorcycle ride we never got to take. Ken was always busy and it usually involved helping others. Ken will be missed greatly, and will surely be doing the Lords work in heaven.

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Name: Randy Smith
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: Rsmith8it@aol.com
Date: 12/12/03

I remember seeing Ken at almost every fun run I entered. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the family.

                SFC Randall E. Smith
                US Army

__________________________________________________
Name: Radford/Ruby Hull
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: ID.
Email: rrhull23@aol.com
Date: 12/12/03

We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to Ken's family.

__________________________________________________
Name: Diane Burnham
City: Post Falls
State: Idaho
Email: birds4abner@yahoo.com
Date: 12-12-2003

Rose and Family-
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your
family and know that your sorrow is shared by so many
that cared for Ken as a co-worker and friend. I feel
truely blessed to have known Ken and worked with him
for nearly 30 years. I know that he has a very special
place in the lords house and we will meet again someday.
Ken taught me many things and I will remember him always.

__________________________________________________
Name: Warren & Jean Ray
City: Naples,
State: Florida
Country: USA
Email: whorayw1@earthlink.net
Date: 12/13/03

The world would be a better place if we had more people like Ken Sturgis.

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Name: Gary & Trisha King
City: Couer d'Alene
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: gking@icehouse.net
Date: 12/13/03

Ken was a truly a great person. He will be greatly
missed.I like working with Ken all the time.

__________________________________________________
Name: Sandy Martello
City: Post Falls
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: fishnbuds2@adelphia.net
Date: Dec. 13 2003

Before I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Ken I remember hearing all of the wonderful attributes about this man from those who were fortunate enough to already have him in their lives. Upon meeting and getting to know Ken, Rose & Max I found that all I had heard was so true and much more. I will miss you Ken. My sincere sympathy to you Rose and to your family.

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Name: David + Liz Arakelian
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: ID
Email: bubbadave3@juno.com
Date: 12-13-03

Dear Rose and family, Liz and I had to priviledge of meeting Ken through CMA. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. In Christ, David + Liz Arakelian

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Name: Robert L. Grimes
City: Cheney
State: WA
Country: USA
Email: ggrimes880@aol.com
Date: December 13, 2003

Ken and I were fellow members of the Washington Air National Guard in the 105th Air Control Squadron near Cheney, Washington. Ken was always positive, friendly and helpful to all the members. He did everything possible to make the 105th one of the best units in the country.
We know that Ken will be greatly missed by many. We are sorry for your loss.
Robert L. Grimes
CMSgt 105th ACS (Retired)

__________________________________________________
Name: Paul Daly
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: paul.daly@verizon.com
Date: 12-13-2003

I'm saddened by the loss of such a good man, and a good friend. I'll miss his warm smile, and kind, gentle heart. Ken had a way about him that could make a rotten day not so bad, and a good day even better. When he retired, he shook my hand and gave me a hug. I was touched. Knowing and working with him was a pleasure. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ken was and is ok.

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Name: harold & arvella layson
City: couerDalene
State: idaho
Country: usa
Email: harvella2
Date: dec 13/03

rose&family we send our love and prayers to you at this time Harold & Arvella Layson

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Name: Denise & Duke Forbes/ Kegel
City: Rathdrum
State: ID
Email: ddkegel@aol.com
Date: 12-13-03

I remember meeting Ken and Rose two years this month when we moved here. We saw Ken in church last Sunday and was standing beside father. He said "Have a good week". We said "You too". Look how are world changes in a week. We will miss you Ken. Thank God we still have Rose.

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Name: judy gardipe cady
City: blanchard
State: idaho
Email: jccady@webtv.net
Date: 12-13-03

you were a special part of st. stanislaus church in rathdrum.    rose, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

__________________________________________________
Name: Randy Quintero
City: Post Falls
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: rqbq@mindspring.com
Date: 12/15/03

Ken stood for many things to many people, namely a mentor, role model, a sentinel standing guard over Gods children.
So many acts of kindness were done beyond what any one person will ever know. Ken cared for people by act of kindness, providing wood, money, food or clothing and most of all he nurtured and feed the souls of people by leading them to the Lord by sharing the gospel.
The wind will miss his spirit but the lord will rejoice in his newly gained warrior. Your good works, kind attention to the needs of people will always be remembered but never forgotten. Hey Ken, put a good word in for all us to keep watch and protect us as we continue our travels on this earth and know this, that you ride with us in spirit, always your brothers.

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Name: Reba Aldrich
City: Stanwood
State: Wa
Email: reba.aldrich@verizon.com
Date: 12/15/03

Ken always brought a smile to my face.
My condolences to all who loved him.

John and I met Ken and Rose when we worked with them. We had talked about riding with them. I remember talking with John about riding with Ken and Rose. Unfortunately it never happened. Ken was one of the greatest men a person could ever meet. He helped out so many people and just made work a better place. John and I will miss him very much.

Donna and I got to know Ken and Rose through CMA over three years ago. At first we were taken aback by Ken's off sided sense of humor. We couldn't tell when he was just kidding. We were at an Ironman Event meeting and this big tall guy was talking about his "Mexican" wife, and there had better be some ethnic racers or she was gonna be angry! We soon learned that "The Mexican" was his "term of endearment" for his lovely "Rose". As time and many miles of riding have passed below us, we had come to know and love Ken & Rose, and their giving hearts. What an awesome couple.

Ken was just fun to be around and always make you feel good that you knew him. We will miss Ken in this world, but, the next time we see him, OH WHAT A MEETING IT WILL BE!

There is no more devoted family man and gentle human being than Ken. He was a dear friend and co-worker for years and I treasure his friendship.

I vividly remember the Verizon United Way bike trips and many Sunday afternoon training rides with Ken and the huge-framed bike he had to accommodate his long legs. We also did several Hoodoo Loop rides. He encouraged and challenged me to do my best and was always a great companion on our adventures.

While working at Verizon, he and I were involved in several projects and it was always a job to work with a calm, competent technician of his caliber.