Kenneth Lamar Thorngren

Kenneth LaMar Thorngren was born October 1, 1939 to Edward and Lena (Lufkin) Thorngren of Annis, Idaho. He attended schools in Annis and graduated from Rigby High School in 1957. After high school, Ken attended Ricks College in Rexburg and in 1960 began purchasing the family farm in Annis and ranch in Kilgore. On August 29, 1962 he married Sandra Pabst of Lorenzo. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS temple on May 4, 1996. Ken and Sandra made their home in Annis working together for almost 55 years to make their farm and ranch a success. The couple had five children: Michelle (Ken) Bielenberg, McCammon, Idaho, Jill (Greg Holdeman) Thorngren, Brookings, South Dakota, Matthew (Julie) Thorngren, Washington Terrace, Utah, Michael (Kimberly) Thorngren, Annis, Idaho and Hayden Thorngren McNeill, Annis, Idaho. Ken loved farming the land and running cattle in Kilgore, a place he described as ‘being next to heaven’. He insisted on straight rows in the field and tight fences around the cattle. His family remembers many trips to the ranch to help fix fence, check cattle, get firewood, and camp. Known for his hard work and honesty, Ken was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends, neighbors, and even those he didn’t know. Ken taught his children to work hard, be responsible, and treat both people and animals with kindness. Many a night he stayed out late bedding corrals, doctoring sick calves, and making sure that all things, both great and small were cared for. Gruff on the outside, Ken was a very loving father and grandfather who was adored by his 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Grandpa was known for fixing his grandkids milkshakes whenever they asked – even for breakfast! He recounted that his greatest happiness was seeing his children and grandchildren being happy and working hard. Ken served as secretary of the Island Irrigation Company for 20 years and worked at the container division of Boise Cascade for 23 years where he made many good friends. After a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, Ken passed away on July 27, 2017. Heaven gained a great man who will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. Our lives will never be the same, but the lessons and love he gave will be a part of us forever. Ken is survived by his wife, Sandra, all of his children and grandchildren, his sister Patsy Dayley of Annis, Idaho, and brother, Jerry Thorngren of Rigby Idaho. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Lena Thorngren and younger brother, Frank Thorngren. The family wishes to thank Solace Hospice Care for the wonderful care they provided in Ken’s last days. A very special thank you to Kayce and Julie from Solace whose patience, humor, kindness, and medical skills eased his pain and lifted his spirits. Services will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 11:00am, at the Menan LDS Stake Center (698 North 3600 East Menan, Idaho). The Family will meet with Family and Friends Monday July 31, 2017 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel (101 West Main St. Rigby, Idaho) and prior to the service from 9:30am to 10:45am. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com