It is with profound sadness that we the family share the untimely departure of Russell Kenneth Plett, affectionately known as Ken, on June 8, 2024, at the age of 66. It has left a deep void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ken was born on February 20, 1958, at the Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg, MB. At the age of two, the perfect match was made when he was adopted and joined the Plett family in Riverton, MB. Ken resided there until he moved to Steinbach, MB in 1980.
His faith and relationship with God were important to him. This was evident when he was baptized on May 26, 1986. Family was his greatest gift, he prayed and thanked God for them daily. Ken married Laura Kehler on July 6, 1986, and always referred to her as the love of his life and best friend. They were blessed with two children, Jeremy in 1990 and Kara in 1995. They were Ken’s absolute pride and joy, escalating when Kara married Sidney Wiebe in 2021 and with the birth of his grandson, Jude in November 2023.
Ken’s formative years were spent on the farm where he displayed a natural ability to operate equipment. His passion grew into a finesse in operating heavy equipment and there was not a challenge too great for him. His employment took him across Canada to jobs that included large scale demolition projects and attending to train derailments. Until his passing he was employed at Westgate Enterprises in Winnipeg where he dedicated over 20 years of his distinguished career. Ken’s precision and skill left behind a legacy of hard work and expertise. Ken lived by the motto that if you enjoyed your job, you never had to work a day in your life.
Ken made many lifelong friends whom he valued and impacted. He also had many interests and hobbies that included riding his snowmobile and e-bike. Many weekends were spent cooking, perfecting his culinary skills on the smoker and the barbecue, entertaining family, and friends, and enjoying his backyard oasis.
Cherishing the memory of Ken is his wife Laura of 37 years, son Jeremy, daughter Kara (Sidney) Wiebe and grandson Jude Wiebe. Ken will also be deeply missed by his sister Joyce Plett-Vogan and George Vogan; brother Loren (Cathy) Plett. Also, by Laura’s family, Stan Kehler (Martha Penner), Val (Mark) Reimer, Brad (Pam) Kehler, Chad (Neve) Kehler as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Henry P. and Mary Plett, mother-in-law Mary Kehler and biological parents Clifford Russell Currie and Jennie (Oshanski) Schroeder.
A Celebration of Life to honor Ken will be held at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach, MB on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Last respects may be made one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at the Steinbach Heritage Cemetery.
Thank you to family and friends who have supported us generously. Your prayers, messages, and gifts of love are greatly appreciated. The family extends thanks to the paramedics, ER physician and staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. Special thanks to the devoted and caring staff at Crossings Funeral Care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for “Ken’s Little Digger Park” (dedicated to his grandson, Jude) that is being planned for Mitchell. Cheques may be made payable to RM of Hanover, 28 Westland Drive, Mitchell, MB R5G 2N9 with “Ken’s Little Digger Park” in the memo line.
May Ken, a loving family man and a cherished friend, rest in peace knowing he has left an indelible mark on those whose lives he touched.