Kenneth Eugene Watje, 75, of Turlock, CA passed away September 8, 2019. He was born in Riverside, CA on June 12, 1944. While being in the Army Reserves, Ken graduated from Mt. San Antonio College where he was the assistant farm manager for seven years. In 1971 he moved to Salinas and began managing a cow/calf and grain ranch until 1977 when he started teaching for the Salinas Union High School District. He studied and earned his teaching credential from Cal Poly, SLO. He retired after 32 years of teaching and until recently enjoyed working alongside his son at W-D Swine Farm.
He grew up in a farming family where he learned numerous aspects of agriculture and hands-on farming. He helped on the family farm with everything from irrigation to planting & harvesting various crops, raising livestock, and agriculture mechanics.
He had a passion for high quality livestock. He loved evaluating and analyzing any type of stock. He would sit the barn or near a pasture and study animals for hours. He loved spending time with his family. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life!
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Katherine Theresa Watje, and his daughter Madelynn Kay Kerlee, (Chip Kerlee), his son Ryan Eugene Watje (Stacey Watje) and grandchildren, Kyle Kerlee, Lexy Watje, Aaron Kerlee, Trent Watje, Drew Watje and Stella Watje, brothers Raymond Watje and Joe Watje (Emily).
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Ken Watje’s name to: CA FFA FOUNDATION Mail to: CA FFA Foundation P.O. Box 186 Galt, CA 95632
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