Kenneth Lester Blodgett

Kenneth Lester Blodgett On June 12, 2026, Ken Blodgett entered the loving arms of his Savior at the age of 84. He died at home peacefully with family all around him. Ken was born the third child of six to Flora May (Irons) Blodgett and John Lester Blodgett on August 24, 1941 in Spokane, Washington. Having two older sisters and being the first of four boys, Ken felt like he was expected to work and help out with the family. He learned how to work hard and play hard - a trait he instilled in all of us! He would wake us up and say “Today is another day in which to excel!” He was raised in a very religious household, and he thought he would grow up to be a minister. However, he ended up becoming an apprentice carpenter and eventually became a business owner (owning several businesses throughout his lifetime). Ken loved architecture, constructing high rise buildings, tilt up concrete panels dangling from cranes, but he also loved small projects such as putting cabinet pulls and knobs on cabinets or doors. He strived for perfection and would say “You don’t get what you expect unless you inspect!” Ken loved a Party! He was a Party! He enjoyed a large gathering - the more the merrier! He loved music and he was a dancer (he and Sharon could cut a rug)! Ken’s greatest achievement however, was his family. He married just out of high school and two daughters (and a son who died at birth) were born. After his divorce, he met Sharon Jane (Rurey) Johnston who had a son and daughter from a previous marriage, and they fell in love and married on February 14, 1967. Together they had two more daughters. Blending six children together wasn’t easy but we all think they did a terrific job. We all have wonderful memories of our early family Sunriver vacations. Ken was a Boy Scout in his youth and he entered the Navy but was honorably discharged during boot camp from a previous back injury. As a businessman, he was involved in Sunrise Rotary in Wenatchee and he also served as the Commodore of the Lake Chelan Yacht Club in 2011. Ken always appreciated being involved and he loved helping out people where he could. Ken had a complex medical history and was a 24 year liver transplant survivor, a cancer survivor, survived a heart attack and had a pacemaker among other things. The last 3-1/2 years of his life was spent doing dialysis three times a week for end stage renal kidney failure. We are thankful for every CNA, MA, RN, and Doctor who helped him along the way. We are blessed knowing he had such tremendous care. Ken was a very positive (always seemed to have ‘rosey glasses’ on), resilient, giving, and generous man who will be remembered by all who knew him. Ken leaves behind his beloved wife Sharon of 59 years, his six children and their spouses Kimberly (David) Fleming, Tamara (Patrick) Pickett, Steven (Karen) Johnston, Karin (Greg) Oakes, Traci (Greg) Thompson, and Staci (Raymond) Hobson along with 18 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren with another great grandson due this August. He is also survived by his Sister-in-Law Kathi Blodgett, and his two remaining brothers Kevin (Karen) Blodgett, Kurtus (Marsha) Blodgett along with many nieces and nephews. It is Ken’s wish that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington Center for Transplantation, or Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on August 29, 2026 from 12-3pm at Pybus Market in Wenatchee, Washington. Anyone who wants to come, we’d love to have you join us. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home.

Tributes

Kenneth Lester Blodgett

August 24, 1941 - June 12, 2026