Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1932
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Kenneth Kriete Obituary
Kenneth Eugene Kriete, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025. A lifelong resident of Ephrata, Washington, Kenny was known for his kindness, humor, and dedication to his family and community.
Born in Wenatchee, WA, Kenny grew up on his family's dairy farm near Ephrata. He graduated from Ephrata High School in 1950 and proudly served in the National Guard. After running the Signal Service Station and working at Grant County PUD, Kenny began a 33-year career with the United States Post Office, where he built lifelong friendships and always greeted customers with a smile and a joke.
In 1955, Kenny married the love of his life, Betty Wickwire. Together they raised three children-Lisa, Lesli, and Joey-and built a life centered around family, camping trips, and supporting Ephrata High School athletics. Kenny was an avid coin and token collector and longtime member of the Northwest Token & Medal Association and the Odessa Coin Club. He was also a proud member of the Grant County Historical Society.
In his later years, Dad relocated to the Garden Oasis Assisted Living Facility, where he was blessed to reunite with some old friends and create new relationships with fellow residents and the wonderful staff. He continued to spread his warmth, humor, and kindness every day, just as he always had. The family would like to thank the Garden Oasis team for the exceptional care they provided Dad during his time there.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Frank Kriete; his brothers, Ben Kriete and Donald (Red) Kriete; and his son-in-law, Chester Hamilton. He is survived by his wife, Betty Kriete; children Lisa Hamilton, Lesli Lehrman (Dale), and Joey Kriete (Jennifer); sister Ruth Carroll; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin Street SW, Ephrata, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Kriete
Sponsored by Nicoles Funeral Home.
1 Entry
Bette Wyman
May 12, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Kriete family. Celebrate a long and full life.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Kriete's name
Memorial Events
for Kenneth Kriete
How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth Kriete's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
