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On Monday evening, November 26, 2018, Kenneth James Elmenhurst, loving husband, father and friend passed away at the age of 66. Ken was a strong, principled, stubborn, witty, honorable and loving man who left this earth too early, but definitely on his own terms. Ken was born and raised in Walla Walla, WA, the youngest of 8 siblings. He joined the United States Air Force at the age of 18 and was stationed in various locations. After a brief break in service spent in Walla Walla, he rejoined the USAF and was assigned to Travis AFB. He settled with his family in Vacaville, Ca in 1978. Ken passionately served his country in the USAF in various capacities for 38 years. During this time he traveled the world, visiting all 7 continents as a flight engineer on C-141 and C-5 aircraft.
Ken's military travels allowed him to visit his children in unexpected places- his son Chris at every duty station he was assigned including Johnston Atoll as well as his daughter Jennifer and her husband who were visiting Pearl Harbor, when Ken's aircraft conveniently broke at Hickam AFB allowing them to spend the evening together on the island. Most importantly, his time in the military led him to meet his best friend and love of his life, Patti, his loving, compassionate and kind wife. While frugal earlier in life, his strong work ethic allowed Ken and Patti to enjoy the fruits of their labor in recent years. The passion Ken developed over the years for aviation, which he shared with his father in-law Bob and son-in-law Roland, led Ken and Patti to retire to an airpark community in Independence, Oregon. Ken looked forward to his annual trip with his golf buddies in Monterey, Ca, as well as various trips spending time with his siblings.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Anna Elmenhurst, father-in-law Bob White, brother Bud Elmenhurst, sister-in-law Liz Elmenhurst and brother-in-law Ben Boutillier. He leaves behind his loving wife Patti Elmenhurst, son Chris Elmenhurst, daughter Jennifer (Roland) Rebboah, stepson Rob (Morgan) Ardy, stepdaughter Sarah (Rolando) Cordova, grandchildren Michael (Marggie) Elmenhurst, Benjamin Elmenhurst-Jones, Tristan Rebboah, Asher and Eli Ardy, Nicole and Hailey Cordova, great granddaughter Isabella Elmenhurst, brothers George (Sandi) Elmenhurst, Devert Elmenhurst, Norman (Patricia) Elmenhurst and John (Doris) Elmenhurst, sisters Rose Marie Boutillier and Aggie (Bill) Munroe and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Johnson Funeral Home 134 Missouri Ave. S. Salem, OR 97302.
Funeral Service
Monday, December 10, 2018 1pm
Johnson Funeral Home
134 Missouri Ave. S. Salem, OR 97302
He will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery
I always had great respect and cherished our friendship and the good times that we had together.
GOOD GUY, HE AND I HAD GREAT FLIGHTS TOGEATHER, RIP
Kenny and I flew countless C5 missions together after he had already made a name for himself as a C141 Flight Engineer with a great reputation. He brought that over with him to the C5s and it certainly was our gain and their loss. I enjoyed "crew rests" with Ken as much as the flying and his wisdom, advice, and great sense of humor was always appreciated. Rest in Peace Kenny and my sincerest condolences to the Elmenhurst Family.
A great teammate serving on C 5 aircraft and also during 312th
functions during our time together. A true gentleman and very dedicated veteran, condolences to the family.
It was an honor to serve alongside, and fly with, Kenny in the 312th AS. He was an outstanding, knowledgeable Engineer. I’m sorry for your loss.
Tony,
Our sympathies in the loss of your younger brother.
Ken(Kenny) was a quiet and thoughtful man with a good sense of humor. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and we will miss him also. May the good God welcome him into His arms for all eternity. Our prayers are with his family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I flew with Ken and he was a great mentor and friend.
Bless Ken and His Family in their time of sorrow. Kenny was a good friend to have and I enjoyed flying with him and off times together. He was one of my instructors when I first became an Engineer. He will be missed until we meet again.
I enjoyed serving with Kenny in the 312th Airlift Squadron. His honesty, humor and sense of duty were well known and greatly missed when he retired. He was always the consummate professional airman. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.