Kenneth Calvin Ilg

Kenneth Calvin Ilg of Worland, passed away on Thursday, October 4th, 2018 at the Billings Clinic in Billings, MT. Most knew him as Ken or Kenny, his children called him dad, and he was grandpa and little papa to his grandkids and great grandkids.

Kenny was born at home in Bonanza, WY March 22, 1933 during a Wyoming blizzard. He was the son of Alfred Edward Ilg and Ester Olive Ilg (Wilson). He often said there was a blizzard the night he was born and a litter of pigs came into the world as well.

He spent his childhood on the family farm at Bonanza. He graduated from Manderson High School in May of 1951 and proudly served in the US Army 1954 through 1956.

Ken was lucky enough to have married Betty Ruth Kraft on June 23, 1957. He was the proud father of Brenda Jean Ilg – Worland; Kenneth Kalvin (LaVonne) Ilg – Boise, ID; and Stephanie (Rick) Mead - Worland. One of his favorite pass times was doting on his 4 grandchildren Tristan (Chris) Mayer – Boise, ID; Nichole (Myron) Chatwin – Worland; Kaitlyn (Steven) Loveland – Boise, ID; and Spencer (Angela) Mead – Pasco, WA. To add to this joy, he was blessed with 13 great grandchildren.

Little papa was a farmer at heart his entire life but spent many years at Halliburton from which he took an early retirement. After Halliburton he spent 30 years at Holly Sugar/Pinkerton/Securitas from which he retired in 2015. He loved the years he spent in the little guard house at the sugar factory monitoring the beet harvest and interacting with the beet farmers, factory workers and truck drivers.

Besides spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren he enjoyed fishing, cutting any grass he could find with his riding lawnmower, playing cards, and traveling. Some of his best times were being chauffeured around the Northwest by his daughter Brenda, and visiting his children and extended family. He loved a good road trip, especially through farm country.

Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Phyllis Tharp (Manderson, WY), Pat Hill (Lynnwood, WA), and Shirley Lenssen (Vancouver, WA) along with many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and friends throughout Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Eugene Ilg.

"Our father didn't tell us how to live; he lived and let us watch him do it." He was small in stature, but a giant in heart, soul, and example.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m., October 16, 2018 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 525 S. 6th, Worland, WY. Inurnment will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens, Worland WY. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion, Post #44. After the graveside services there will be a light luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Worland Senior Center and/or Washakie County Public Health. Arrangements have been entrusted to Veile Mortuary.