Kenneth Wayne Baenen, 68 passed away peacefully on January 5, 2015 at his home in Lead, SD surrounded by family after a three year battle with lymphoma.


Ken was born April 29, 1946 in Jamestown, ND to Ralph and Sophie Baenen, the fifth of seven children. He graduated from Montpelier High School in North Dakota in 1964 and served in the army in Europe from September 1964 until September 1967. He met his wife, Judy Ann Wanzek, at a wedding dance in 1961. They were married on November 8, 1969 and had four children.


Ken worked in various fields through the years, most notably as a policeman, a spray pilot, a farmer, a flight instructor, and an air traffic control specialist. He achieved a bachelor of science in professional aeronautics from Embry Riddle. His passions were his family and friends, his faith, enjoying the outdoors, and flying. He taught Judy and his son, Jeremy at the age of 17, how to fly. He retired in 2000 after a long career in the Federal Aviation Administration. He loved spending time with his large family and numerous friends and was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing and hiking frequently. Other hobbies included cooking, playing cribbage, and woodworking. He will be remembered for his generous and giving nature, his knack for colorful storytelling, and his quick wit and sense of humor.


Ken is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy, of Lead; sons, Jeremy (Stephanie) Baenen of Vancouver, WA and Aaron (Chancie) Baenen of Lead; daughters, Melissa (Travis) Shaffer of Pierre, SD and Emily (Nate) Hammerstrom of Casper, WY; grandchildren, Owen, Brody, and Thea Baenen, Hannah, Hattie, Hayden, Hudson, and Harper Shaffer, Andon, Noree, Dylan, Marin, and Kennan Hammerstrom; brothers, Dennis Baenen of Fargo, ND and Michael Baenen of Waukesha, WI; sisters, Donna (Marvin) Wanzek and Debbie (Rex) Graves of Jamestown, ND, Bonnie Baenen of Husum, WA and Carol Denny of Hayden, ID; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Charlie Tranmer.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Friday, Jan. 9 at St Patrick Catholic Church in Lead with Vigil and rosary services at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the church. A private burial will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com