Kenneth Jacob Schmautz

Washington.

Ken was the youngest of five children born to Erma (Emma Landseidel) and Herbert Schmautz. Known for his infectious sense of humor, love of nature - plants and animals, and the mischievous look in his eyes, Ken grew to be a faith-filled, loyal and hardworking man. When he was 10 years old he met the love of his life, Dawne Grenz (whom he teased mercilessly), and finally garnered the nerve to ask out when she was a senior in high school. This marked the beginning of a lifelong adventure together. They married on June 24, 1966 at Bethel Baptist church in Missoula, MT., and had three children - Noelle, Kristin and Jeff. June 24, 2025 would be their 59th wedding Anniversary.

After graduating from Missoula County Highschool, Ken attended the University of Montana and graduated with a BA in Business. He joined the Army Reserves and served at Fort Missoula for 6 years.

His Grandpa, Jacob Schmautz, was a builder and so was his Father, Herb. Ken started building houses with his Dad as soon as he could wield a hammer, and went on to design and build homes all over Missoula and in the Bitterroot Valley passing his trade down to his son Jeff.

He built a beautiful home for his family on 15 acres near Stevensville, MT in 1980. They lived there until leaving the area in 1993; and finally resettled in Olympia, WA to be near their daughter Noelle, her husband Bryan and their grandchildren Jacob, Joel, and Gabe. Eventually, all their kids joined them there with their families.

Ken was a quiet, thoughtful man who found joy in the simple things in life like music, fishing and gardening. You could hear him whistling while he worked on a project, or singing ‘Act Naturally’ to call his beloved cat Tibby.

He left a legacy of generosity, as he was always taking care of and/or helping others – joking and laughing the entire time he did so. He’d spend Saturdays mowing his parents’ lawn, or building something for one of his kids, neighbors or someone from Church. His ministry was one of service, as he humbly lived a life as an example of kindness and love.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Erma Schmautz; his oldest brother Robert (Bobby – who died as an infant.); his brother Richard (Dick) Schmautz, and his sister Nancy Baer. He is survived by his wife, Dawne Schmautz; three children: Noelle and husband Bryan Tennant of Lacey, Washington, Kristin (aka Numahka) and husband Robert Swan of Port Townsend, WA, and Jeff Schmautz of Rochester, WA; as well as his sister Marianne Fehr of Missoula, Mt; 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; and his sweet dog Blackie (aka Gracie).

The family is deeply appreciative of the outpouring of love, prayers and support (in many heart-felt forms) from too many people to name individually.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to City Gates: https://citygatesministries.org/.

A Celebration of Ken's life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Real Hope Community Church, 8004 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey, WA.