Ken Zehm, 64

Kenneth Edgar Zehm, of Worley, Idaho, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Aug. 17, 2016.

Ken was born on Oct. 10, 1951, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and was a lifelong resident of Worley. After graduating from Worley High School in 1969, he attended North Idaho College, earning an associate’s degree in drafting and design in 1972.

Ken married Peggy Couch on April 6, 1973, in Rockford, Wash. Married for 18 years, the two had two children, Pat and Stacy, who were born and raised in Worley.

Ken worked summers tree planting in Avery, Idaho, and later worked for Rockford Grain Growers for four years before joining the Worley Highway District, from which he retired after 32 years in 2010. Even after retirement, he continued to work for the city of Worley performing road maintenance and enjoyed caring for his parents’ farm in Worley.

Ken was respected by all who knew him, as a kind but strong-willed man. He was dedicated to his work, and was known as a fair and level-headed leader who was always willing to roll up his sleeves and jump in the trenches with his guys. But he had no greater love than his family, teaching his children, and later his grandchildren, to love and respect the land he grew up on and that his father farmed for so many years. His fondest memories were snowmobiling followed by country music, dancing, and a giant cinnamon roll from Leo’s Club. He loved fishing, hunting, camping on Marble Creek, metal detecting, cutting wood, smoking his cigars, and visiting with friends while gambling at the Coeur d’Alene Casino. He was a proud “Papa” and loved his grandchildren more than anything in the world, watching them play sports and teaching them to fish.

He was a lifelong Seattle Seahawks fan, and remembers the days of watching the Hawks play in the Kingdome. He always said that sometimes in life, you just have to punt. And while his kicking leg was sore, he never complained and never, ever gave up.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Zehm. He is survived by his mother, Katherine Zehm of Coeur d’Alene; son Pat Zehm of Worley; daughter Stacy and Chris Hudson of Post Falls, and grandchildren Shawn and Samantha Hudson, and Korrin Ator-Hudson; sister Linda and Doug Janson of Dalton Gardens; brother Bob and Linda Zehm of Tekoa, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

At his request, no memorial service will be held. But to honor the care he received, donations in his name to Hospice of North Idaho are welcome: 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.