Kenneth A. Briggeman

HAMILTON - Kenneth Arthur Briggeman was born on August 17, 1939, in Oakland, California to Harold & Pauline Briggeman. He graduated from San Lorenzo High School in 1957 and enrolled in college courses at the University of California.

Ken got his Bachelor of Science degree in forestry in 1963, after which he started his long career with the United States Forest Service. His career began at the Ukonom Ranger District on Klamath National Forest.

Ken met Kathy Wendell (Lass) in Oak Knoll, they would marry on March 28, 1970 in Reno, Nevada.  While working on the Klamath Ken & Kathy started their family, having 3 daughters, Vicki in 1971, Amy in 1972 and Connie in 1973.

In 1983 Ken transferred to the Kootenai National Forest in Libby, Montana as a timber management officer. During his time with the Forest Service, Ken spent his summers on various fire crews and traveled around the western United States. He had the honor and privilege to work as the logistics chief on a type 1 incident management team for the Northern Rockies. In this role he took pride in ensuring firefighters on the ground and in the air, had every resource possible to be successful in their fire suppression work. From hoses and tools to good food and sleeping facilities, it was his goal to “keep fire crews happy”. He retired from his position on the Kootenai Forest in 1994.

Throughout his life Ken enjoyed fishing and hunting, woodworking, telling Forest Service stories, and a good crossword puzzle. He was a skilled gardener, a great chef, and the author of Briggeman’s Roadkill Cookbook.

In the last year of his life, Ken lived at The Hamilton Assisted Living in Hamilton, Montana. He was proud of his “apartment” there and always had kind words to say about the staff at The Hamilton. He would spend his time tinkering with things that needed fixing and helping keep the weeds at bay.

On the smoky evening of September 2, 2024, Ken passed away peacefully in his “apartment”. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold & Pauline, his sister Shirley, and his loving wife of 52 years Kathleen.

He is survived by his daughters, Vicki (Dan) Hardtke of Woodbury, MN, Amy Harbrige of Hamilton, MT, and Connie Johnson of Hamilton, MT. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Shelby, Sebastian, Max, Katie, Alex, Maddy and one great grandson, Noah.

Per Ken’s wishes, he and Kathy will both be honored in a private ceremony with their loving family.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.