Kenneth Eugene Lodahl

1936 - 2025

Kenneth Eugene Lodahl

April 12, 1936 - August 3, 2025

Kennewick, Washington - Kenneth Eugene Lodahl was received into glory early Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, at age 89 in his Kennewick home at Riverwalk Estates Gracious Retirement Living.

Ken was born April 12, 1936 in the Danish village of Dagmar, Montana to Danish settler farmers Christian and Astrid Lodahl. Not long after his birth his mother Astrid passed away. He grew up with older brothers Arne and Erling, and particularly under the wing of big sister Marion. When his father Christian married Kathryn Kappel, Kenny gained not only a new mom but also another big sister, Shirley.

Ken attended Seventh-day Adventist schools in Granger, WA, and then later in Spangle, WA. After his sophomore year he returned to the Yakima Valley to work in the orchards.

In May of 1953 Ken went with his pals to the Granger Cherry Festival. There he met a beautiful young woman from neighboring Zillah, Virginia Liner, and two years later they were married in the Zillah Church of the Nazarene, Virginia's home church.

During their 62 years together, Ken and Virginia farmed and lived in Toppenish, Quincy, Othello, Pasco and then (since 1970) in Kennewick. They were active participants and worshippers in Nazarene congregations, especially Pasco Church of the Nazarene, throughout six decades. For roughly two decades he oversaw the grounds work at the church, taking justifiable pride in his immaculate lawn care.

Along with farming, Ken invested his energies in helping other farmers. Beginning in the early 1960s he worked for Sun Basin Growers, and then later for Pacific Guano (later renamed, wisely, PureGro) for many years before joining pilot Jack Carr as a business partner in their successful C & L Crop Care Co. Ken was highly respected in the agricultural communities of eastern Washington for his kindness, integrity, honesty, and fairness.

Kenny and Virginia joined the Kennewick Caravaners, an RV club, in 1993 and richly enjoyed their friendships and adventures over the years with these dear traveling and camping companions. They also loved sharing annual vacation times in Cannon Beach and Manzanita, on the Oregon coast, with their extended family. These times are a treasure in the entire family's heart and memory.

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved Virginia, who passed away in 2016, as well as by all of his siblings. He is survived by their children Michael and his spouse Janice; Susan; Gary and his spouse Kathleen; and Janet. He took great and loving delight in his 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

The memorial service is slated for Saturday, August 23, 11 a.m., Pasco Church of the Nazarene, 7305 W. Court St.