Kenneth Welt

– Dr. Kenneth (Ken) Alan Welt, 72, passed away suddenly while bicycling with his friends in Missoula on Friday October 27, 2017.

Ken was born to Rose and Harry Welt on February 6, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan. Ken grew up in the suburbs of Detroit where he met his future high school sweetheart and wife Karen (Klein) Welt. The two were married in June of 1966 and have two sons Tyler and Harris.

Ken graduated from Michigan State University in 1966 and then received a Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University. Next, he traveled to Missoula with Karen to attend the University of Montana, where he received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1973. Ken fell in love with Montana and the outdoors where he became an avid downhill skier (and ski patrolman), runner, weightlifter (President for life of the Butte Iron Club!), motorcyclist and bicyclist. Most importantly he was a devoted husband and father who always put the health and happiness of his family, students, patients and friends first.

After receiving his Ph.D. Ken practiced clinical psychology in Butte from 1975 until 1991. In 1991, Ken was given the opportunity to return to the University of Montana and Missoula as the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University’s Curry Health Center. Ken worked at CAPS supporting and helping students at the University he loved until his retirement in 2010. In retirement, he maintained his passion for reading and bicycling, while continuing his lifelong support of the Grizzly community. He was the biggest fan of the Grizzly football and basketball teams.

Ken is survived by his wife Karen and two sons Tyler (wife Kecia and son Henry, 13) of Portland, Oregon and Harris (wife Rina and sons Conner, 9, Parker, 5 and Thatcher, 2) of Byron, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ken’s name to the University of Montana Foundation or a charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday 11/1/17 at the Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula. Condolences for the family may be left at www.gardencityfh.com