Image

Kenneth Lloyd Moellenberg , 85, of Idalia, died June 5 at University of Colorado Hospital in Denver, due to a brazen mutiny of key organs.  Ken was born to William F. and Martha F. (Wudtke) Moellenberg September 25, 1938, at home in Idalia, choosing to emerge during a severe rainstorm which prevented planned travel to Wray hospital.

He began school at Kayton, a one-room country school south of his home.  He finished at the then-new Idalia High School in town.  Ken was baptized and confirmed at St. John Church near Idalia, and remained a life-long member.  He served in many positions within the small church, both voluntary and otherwise. 

Ken first attended CU’s engineering program, but then switched to the Air Force’s Keesler Electronic School in Biloxi, Mississippi.  There, he excelled in electronic engineering and radar repair, and afterward worked on radar systems for several years with the Air National Guard.  His electronic skills made him the de facto TV repairman and electronics go-to in Idalia for many years.

Ken loved airplanes and flying at a young age, demonstrated by his permanent nose scar from an unfortunate run-in with a model airplane propeller in high school.  He began taking private pilot lessons in the Air Force, earned his license afterward, and thoroughly enjoyed flying friends and family around the region.  He loved all things aeronautic, was always on the lookout for an airshow or flyover, and thoroughly enjoyed discussions with other pilots.

In 1962, he met Betty Durrett of Eads, a teacher at Idalia School.  They married in 1963 and, in time, had two sons.  Ken and Betty continued to live on and work the same family farm where Ken was born, and he died only a few days after their 61st wedding anniversary.

Ken loved the land, could repair or invent most any farm equipment, and kept an impressive collection of cherished “stuff” stored for later use.  He loved to use said “stuff” to invent solutions to problems, even when common logic dictated otherwise.  

Ken enjoyed a robust debate on any number of subjects, worked long hours towards any good practical joke, and always kept abreast of advancements in toy technology and deployment.  He loved most animals (tolerated cows, hated flies), enjoyed music from classical to gospel, and delighted in cooking in military quantities.  He was an active Lions Club member, habitually volunteered around town, and mowed with wild abandon.   

Ken is preceded in death by parents, Bill and Martha Moellenberg.  
He is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Gary and wife Maria and granddaughter Ava of Idalia; son, Brent and wife Sarah and grandchildren Otto and Phoebe of Lyons; brother, Wayne Moellenberg of Fort Collins; sister, Wilma (Jim) Sumner of California; numerous in-laws; and 18 nieces and nephews

Memorial services will be held July 6, 2024, at St. John Church near Idalia at 10:00 a.m., with burial 

on the grounds to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Church and Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation at P.O. Box 473007, Aurora, CO 80047.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.