Kenneth Roger Teeple

– Ken was welcomed into the Gates of Heaven by his son, Craig, other loved ones and the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. He was a man of deep faith and desired to be an example to all who crossed his path. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and had never met a stranger.

Ken, 81, of St. Ignatius, was killed while driving to work in North Dakota. Anyone who knew Ken knows he was doing what he loved, building Montana Bolt – the business that he owned with his son, Jeff – and that he had prayed that he'd be able to work until the day he died.

Ken was born Sept. 21, 1932, in Cook, Wash., to George and Effie Teeple and was raised in the Tacoma, Wash., area. He saw Marjorie Jean "Jeanie" Morgan while she was waitressing, fell in love and soon married; the year was 1951. Ken served in the U.S. Air Force and on the Washington State Patrol, but he was happiest when working for himself.

Many of his customers were considered personal friends, and one would surely find Ken sitting at the counter of his business, discussing politics or religion with them. You never wondered where you stood with Ken; he held fast to his opinions, whether popular or not. Fishing was another oft-discussed topic, and he and Jeanie enjoyed many trips together over the past years.

Friends have spoken to the family regarding Ken, calling him a warrior, explaining how he made life a more enjoyable space, and commenting that he was a powerful and passionate man. Usually not traits shared by one person, Ken lived his life to the fullest and tried to be the best example he could, according to his deep Christian faith. After his faith, family was what was important and he provided wonderful opportunities for his children.

Beloved husband, caring father, best friend and "Big Papa" – we thank you for the life you have given us, the examples on how to live that life, and we love you more than mere words can say. You were the anchor in our family and we will all miss you terribly. God is lucky to have you home.

It gives his family comfort to remember words from a song by his favorite singer, Eddy Arnold: Now "you're going to heaven, like all good angels do. I'll find my way to heaven, and I'll be there with you." Dad, you will forever live in our hearts. We will miss you so and our love for you will never end.

Ken was preceded in death by his son, Craig; his grandson, Jeffrey; and his parents, Effie and George. Survivors include his best friend and wife of 62 years, Jeanie; his son and daughter and their spouses (Jeff and Karen Teeple of St. Ignatius and Carlos and Jodi Christophe of Missoula); grandchildren and great-grandchildren (Rebel Larson and her children Kaia and Tanner of Missoula; Mikaela Teeple and her children Tristen, Orion and Jayce of Caldwell, Idaho; Jordan Teeple and her children Kenny, Kaelyn and Keira of St. Ignatius; and Mariana Christophe of Salvador, Brazil).

Per Ken's request, private services will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, Ken would have appreciated donations to be made to a worthy charity of your choice; his favorite charity was the Union Gospel Mission in Missoula. Condolences may be sent to Jeanie Teeple, 63569 Foothills Road, St. Ignatius, MT 59865

Read Kenneth Teeple's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.