Kenneth “Ken” Joseph Johannes, 79, was called home to his heavenly father April 8th, 2019 surrounded by his family. Born in Billings, MT on October 13, 1939, Ken was the oldest son of Conrad and Frieda (Reich) Johannes. He attended Huntley Project Schools, graduating in 1959. Upon his graduation he entered the US Navy where he served 2 years.
On September 4, 1973 he married the love of his life, Joleen Keller. Ken and Joleen enjoyed spending their time together with family and friends. Throughout the course of his life he took up many hobbies; golf, bowling, water skiing, and roller skating just to name a few. Of course, we will never forget our all-time favorite, his love of singing. You could often find Ken at the Dark Horse on karaoke nights singing his favorite tunes. His unique voice will be missed so dearly. He loved working out in his little shop or his garage, always making sure it was clean, and everything was in its place and labeled. We always knew just where to find a certain tool in a drawer! Ken made life-long friendships with many people as he had the knack of pointing out the obvious in humorous and encouraging ways. Ken was a devoted truck driver for many years for Meadow Gold Dairy until he retired in 1999. He was a member of the HP Lions Club, Worden Volunteer Fire Dept. and currently active on the WBYC board. After his retirement you could often find Ken in a truck for the local farmers and businesses in the community or driving school bus for Huntley Project Schools.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Joleen; daughters, Cori (Chris) Dash of Thornton, CO and their children Cassidy, Jolissa, and Layne; Shawna Vermandel of Huntley, MT and her children, Taylor, Teghan, Teyah, and Terah; Dawn Johannes of Worden, MT and her children, Austin and Sydnee; brothers, Norman (Polly) Johannes of Ballantine, MT and Nolan (Linda) Johannes of Worden, MT; nephews, Robert and Clint; nieces, Jennifer and Teri. He is preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter Elaina Marie Johannes-Dash.
The family of Ken would like to thank Pastor Robert Shy, The Springs at Grand Park, and Compasses for their compassion, care, and support.
Visitations may be made at the Smith Downtown Chapel, 925 S. 27th Street in Billings from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 12. The casket will be closed at the service. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Chancey’s Event Center, 266 Hogan Road in Huntley. Interment will be on Monday, April 15 at 11 a.m. on at the Pleasantview Cemetery in Ballantine. Donations can be made to the Bethlehem Congregational Church, Worden Fire Dept., or charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared at smithfuneralchapels.com
