Obituary of Kenneth Offerdahl

Kenneth Lee Offerdahl, 73, of Valier, Montana, passed away on July 16, 2024, surrounded by his family after a long battle with a neurological illness. A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, with a funeral liturgy at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, both at St. Francis Catholic Church in Valier with burial in Lakeview Cemetery. Ken was born on January 3, 1951, to Vernon “Lee” and Betty Offerdahl in Great Falls, Montana. After Ken graduated from Valier High School in 1969, he joined the US Army and served our country including a tour of Vietnam. Following his service to our country and his return from Vietnam, Ken met the love of his life, Marie Curry, in the summer of 1973. They were married on June 15, 1974, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Valier. They started their married life together in Helena where Ken attended Helena Vo-Tech. Following the completion of his Airframe and Powerplant Certification, Ken and Marie returned to Valier in 1976 and purchased Curry’s Market which they owned and operated as a family business for the next 40 years. The community members knew they would always be met with a hug and big smile while shopping. Ken also joined the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier in 1981, where he worked tirelessly for 27 years committed to delivering mail 6 days a week regardless of weather conditions. His dedication and friendly smile often resulted in lots of goodies being left in appreciation of service. He was always more than willing to share those goodies with others. Although Ken took great pride in his work and achievements, his greatest pride came from his family. Ken and Marie raised three daughters. Ken and Marie felt the importance of making certain that their family was very involved in the community through church, sports, clubs, and service. Ken committed his life to supporting his daughters in each of their endeavors. This started with him preparing a hot cooked breakfast every morning, that often-included cartoon pancakes, and continued later in life with meaningful gifts every Christmas. This love for his family continued with the support of each of the endeavors of his grandchildren. Ken’s greatest attributes were his kindness, his love of all people, his smile, his contagious laugh and his ability to bring joy to any room. Everyone that met him considered him a friend. You won’t meet anyone that didn’t feel they were his favorite. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Betty Offerdahl and his in-laws, Jim and Dorothy Curry. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marie Offerdahl; children, Jennifer (Brent) Weisgram of Missoula and their two daughters, Brooklyn and Kali; Gina (Will) McCarthy of Missoula and their two sons, Connor and Colin; and Kendra (Dominic) Puckett of Great Falls and their children, Emma, Noah, and Gracie. Additionally, Ken is survived by his sister, Lana (Steve) Hilton of Great Falls; brothers, Roger Offerdahl of Columbia Falls and Gary (Chris) Offerdahl of Wichita Falls, TX; brother-in-law, Gene (Cheryl) Curry of Valier; and many nieces and nephews. Ken leaves a legacy of kindness and forgiveness. He modeled the true meaning of friendship and caring for others. Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.OConnorFuneralHome.com.