Kenneth (Ken) Wade Leliefeld went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 3rd, 2025.

Ken was born on May 17th, 1950 in Spokane, Washington. He is preceded in death by his parents Lorraine and Gerald Leliefeld.

Ken is survived by his wife Elaine, who was his love and best friend. He is also survived by his children Megan (Steven) Papenfuss and Kevin (Melinda) Leliefeld, his grandchildren Mikael, Shayli, Jacobas, Dalton, and Willow. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Chris (Jo) Hawk, Leigh Ann (Alex) Martinez and their children. Ken was the only son with 4 surviving sisters, Christine, Mary, Heidi, and Meg, along with their spouses and nieces and nephews.

Ken (Kenny, as he was known by his friends and fellow students) grew up and graduated in Othello, Washington in 1969. He went on to attend Eastern Washington University. He left college to join the Air Force, where he was stationed in Hawaii. After he left the service, he came to Othello and started working at the Hanford Nuclear Site in 1977.

Ken loved to work. In fact, he retired (or tried to retire), 3 times. The last time he thought he was going to retire was in 2022, as a Project Manager. It became a running joke with his family and friends. But in 2024, his last employment began with Apollo Mechanical Contractors as a consultant.

Ken was a true "Self-Made" man. To those who knew him or worked with and for him, he would hope they remember him for his work ethic combined with his encouraging and positive attitude. Also, who can forget his dry and sometimes stoic sense of humor?

Along with work, he loved golf. He and Elaine were members at Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland, Washington. He had many friends and golfing partners that shared some wonderful times. When he wasn't working and playing golf, he and Elaine traveled and enjoyed spending time with their kids and grandkids.

Ken was a man of faith and had a strong relationship with God. This is one of his favorite verses.

"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice" -Philippians 4:4