

Ken was born on June 23, 1947, in Humboldt, SK, and spent his childhood on the family farm near Meacham, SK. As a young man, Ken moved to Saskatoon with his brother Ron to attend Kelsey Institute where he studied Resources Management. After graduating in 1967 he began his professional career with Agriculture Canada in Saskatoon, where he dedicated many years of service to the agricultural community and developed lifelong friends. It was during his time in Saskatoon that he met the love of his life, Donnalene Aitken. They were married in 1968 and had three children: Katherine, Ken, and Greg.
In 1975, Ken built a family home on Begg Crescent, where he would spend the remainder of his years. More than just a house, it became a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors. Their door was always open, welcoming visitors for a drink, a game of cards, a friendly conversation, or some of Ken's trusted advice. Ken loved bringing people together and never needed much of a reason to celebrate—whether it was a milestone, a holiday, a block party, or simply a Friday evening. Over the years, Ken and Donnalene formed lasting friendships with many of their neighbors. Begg Crescent was not simply their address—it was their extended family and a community they were proud to call home.
Ken and Donnalene enjoyed many years of travel and adventure alongside their close friends, Willy and Barb. In retirement, they spent their winters in Yuma, Arizona and their summers at their cabins across Saskatchewan.
Ken's greatest accomplishment was his family. He was happiest spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; hunting with his children at the Smeaton cabin; playing a game of Kaiser; or sharing stories around a campfire. More often than not, he was the last one sitting by the fire, reluctant to let a good conversation—or a good day—come to an end. Ken leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, laughter, and togetherness that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Ken is lovingly remembered by his children, Katherine (Trent) Thorarinson, Ken (Kendra) Saretzky, and Greg (Jennifer) Saretzky; his brothers, Ron (Sorena) Saretzky and Jim (Kathy) Saretzky; and his sister, Carmel Saretzky.
He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Mitchell (Victoria) Thorarinson, Kelsey (Brodie) Thoreson, Austin (Mikayla) Thorarinson, Kassandra Saretzky, Brea Saretzky, Erin (Taylor) Saretzky, Lauren Saretzky, Alec (Chloe) Saretzky, Samantha Saretzky, Jayme Saretzky, and Jonathon Saretzky; and by his great-grandchildren, Braxton Thoreson, Aubrey Sawyer Saretzky, Harper Thoreson, Layla Thorarinson, Arlo Saretzky Bergeron.
Ken is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sandra (Campbell) Graham and Sharon (Pat) McGinnis; and his brother-in-law, Ken (Gail) Armstrong.
Ken was predeceased by his beloved wife, Donnalene Saretzky; his parents, Nicolas and Olga Saretzky; his great-grandson, Brady; and his great-granddaughters, Brooke and Benny.
There will be a Funeral Service on Thursday July 23rd 2026 at Windsor Chapel, 704 Windsor Street Saskatoon, SK, S7K 0Y9 at 2:30 pm.
Please join the family as we remember and honor Ken.
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