Kenneth 'Ken' Siderius, 91
A longtime beloved Flathead Valley native passed away on Dec. 1, 2024. Ken Siderius, "Mr. S." was 91. Born in Somers on a small farm, he was the second son of a tie bucker and a teacher/librarian. He grew up knowing the importance of family, a good education and a commitment to integrity. "It’s surprising how much better your luck is when you work hard," was a favorite motto of Ken’s and he lived his life accordingly.
Every morning as a child, along with brothers Charles and Jerry, the boys picked up The Missoulian at the Somers post office before embarking on a four-mile delivery route, then returned home to gather eggs and milk the cows. After school there were always chores to be done, occasional baseball games, family dinners and bedding down in the milkhouse. On cold mornings, the boys would wake up with frost in their hair and run barefoot to the house to warm up by the kitchen wood stove. Only parents Pete and Louise, along with sisters Maxine and Judy had the luxury of sleeping in the small farmhouse. Summertime brought picnics, playing along the shores of Flathead Lake and always more chores and newspapers.
"The importance lies not in a degree, but in your degree of passion."
Ken had a fierce allegiance to FHS, Rocky Mountain College and MSU. After graduating RMC, he spent 18 months in France with the US Army. Shortly after his assignment, he married his first wife, Lauretta. Early teaching and coaching years were spent in Miles City and Bozeman; it was during this time they had their four children. Ken comes from a long line of family grounded in the culture and history of this area, and after nine years the family returned "home" to the Flathead. He dedicated the next seven years to FHS administration as the athletic director before moving up to the district administrative level. As personnel director and assistant superintendent, Ken was responsible for hiring hundreds of educators and support staff. He had a natural instinct for hiring the best and was seldom betrayed by that intuition. Ken had another passion, farming. He and Charles had 320 acres of peppermint they farmed east of town during Ken’s years in education. In 1983 Ken and Lauretta separated and four years later he retired from both administration and farming. He was far from finished with education, however, and his sense of adventure and fondness for fishing led him to southeast Alaska, where he became a superintendent in a small fishing village on Chicahagof Island. Once again, Ken broadened his already far-reaching net of friendships, and after four years he retired from education a second time.
"It is not what we got but what we shared."
In 1990, Ken and his wife Cathy built their home in the foothills east of Kalispell. Each October for 23 consecutive years they hosted an apple juicing/harvest party, with 235 guests the final year. Friends, family and strangers came together to enjoy community and work. Their garden, the undisturbed woods and his involvement with neighbors bespoke his love of the land.
By 1996, Ken was asked to step in as principal at Edgerton, the District’s largest elementary school. He fell in love with a whole community of kids, staff and parents that loved him back; Ken stayed for a wonderful five years. He was a man of action, unwavering optimism and was dedicated to standing up for what was right for students. After nearly 40 years in education, he retired a final time.
"It is not our success, but our significance."
Ken dedicated his life to community. He believed that by working together we could sustain the natural values that make this Valley a great place to live for future generations, and that the work of the Flathead Land Trust could achieve this passion. He was key to conserving over 5,000 acres of land, much along the Flathead River and north shore of Flathead Lake.
Countless other projects he facilitated include the Somers Beach State Park, McWenneger Slough Fishing Access, and adding to Lone Pine State Park.
Along with Friends of Lawrence Park Ken led the building of the picnic pavilion and he spearheaded sidewalk construction to Legends Field. He was instrumental in creating Laser Alternative High School and played a pivotal role in securing funds for special education programs. Numerous District policies were crafted by Ken and are still in use today. Ken played a key role in employee negotiations regarding salaries and benefits gaining respect from both sides of the table. His influence with the Rotary Club ensured the sponsorship of an elementary basketball program open to all boys and girls in the Valley. Whether he was collecting for the Food Bank with his Norm’s News coffee friends or adding an extra $10 at the grocery store for those less fortunate, his life was enriched by giving. Ken was an MSU Alumni President and in 2009 was awarded the "Great Chief Award" by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce in gratitude for his extensive accomplishments.
"Live a life that matters. Live a life of love."
To his very good friends, Tracy Walsh, Paddy Lee, Dan Paschke and Rick Anfenson, a thank you for the many years together. Gratitude beyond words to the local VA, Epaga Home Care and Enhabit Home Health & Hospice. Because of you Ken was able to remain at home, the place he loved best. To the FLT, the Culver Family and special neighbors a "from the heart" thank you.
Ken is survived by his wife, Catherine Malarchick; his four children, Peter (Erika), Natalie (Dar), David (Trudy) and Steven (Michelle), along with seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons; his siblings, Charles, Jerry, Maxine and Judy, and many other Siderius family members.
He was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Tom.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, at Canvas Church. In honor of Ken’s legacy of conservation, gifts may be made to Flathead Land Trust.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.