Ken Hatke passed from this world on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow, he was 81 years old.
Ken was born Nov. 13, 1941, to Ferdinand and Anne Hatke. He was the oldest of seven children. After high school, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served six years and did two tours in Vietnam. Ken worked at the Cedar Mill in Troy before going to work at Latah County Highway District where he retired in 2002.
In 1966, Ken married Linda Brower, they had two children, Ada and Lori. They later divorced. Ken married Marie Wisdom in 1972. The couple were married for 45 years. They traveled from coast to coast, making yearly trips to Mexico, fishing in Alaska and spending winters in Arizona. Marie passed away in 2017.
In 2019, Ken found happiness and a new travel companion in Eleanor Branting. Together they spent many miles up and down the highways, traveling and discovering new casinos.
Ken was preceded in death by both his parents, his brothers Hank, John, Bill and Dick. His sister Genevieve, step-son Ray, step-daughter Edna and wife Marie.
Ken is survived by his daughters Ada and Lori, brother Joe Hatke, step-son Jerry Taylor, step-daughters Karen Thornberry and Jean Taylor, partner Eleanor and multiple grandkids, great-grandkids, great-great-grandkids, a great-great-great-granddaughter who is due on his birthday and many nieces and nephews.
Ken was a kind, gentle man who loved hunting, fishing and going to different casinos. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at Short’s Funeral Chapel, 1225 E. Sixth St., Moscow. Following will be a graveside ceremony at Avon Cemetery and a potluck dinner at the Deary Community Center.
Donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Ken’s name.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow and condolences may be left at shortsfuneralchapel.com.
