Kenneth Maler, age 95, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024, in Centennial, Colorado. Born on April 2, 1929, in Rolette, Rolette North Dakota, Ken was the son of Martha Christine Larson and Vicktor Berner Mahler and grew up on the family farm in Bisbee, North Dakota, with his three siblings, Bernice Dorothea, Victor Berner and Inez Ruth. Those early years in North Dakota shaped Ken’s strong work ethic and love of craftsmanship. From a young age, he was helping in his family’s blacksmith shop, Vulcan Iron Works, mastering the skills that would later define his lifelong dedication to engineering, welding, and woodworking.
Ken enlisted in the United States Air Force, a commitment to his country that he carried proudly throughout his life. He went on to build a distinguished career as an engineer at Douglas Aircraft, where he worked as a certified welder and received the prestigious VIP award. Notably, Ken contributed to the Apollo 11 mission, a highlight of his career that led to meeting astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin plus many more—moments he would cherish and recount with pride.
Ken married his beloved wife, Helen Jewel Fullmer, and together they built a life grounded in faith, integrity, and kindness. He was a loving and devoted father to his two children, Janice Marie Maler and Kenneth Bern Maler, and his role as a father, grandfather to 7, a great grandfather to 23 and great-great grandfather to "1", filled his life with profound joy and purpose.
A man of many talents and interests, Ken loved to dance, fish, hunt, and play sports, especially running, basketball and football. He was known for his unwavering values, teaching his family the importance of honesty, integrity, and faith. A dedicated Lutheran, Scoutmaster, and Mason, Ken’s life was marked by his kindness, humility, and selflessness. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand or offer his wisdom to those in need. Ken loved his country and took pride in his freedom, never missing an election to cast his vote.
Ken’s life will be celebrated at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Service in Millcreek, Utah, on December 6, 2024. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm, followed by the service at 1:00 pm and a graveside gathering. His family will carry forward his legacy of strength, compassion, and dedication, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ken Maler’s life was an extraordinary journey, one defined by love for his family, faith, country, and a steadfast commitment to his word. May he rest in peace, remembered as a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, and true craftsman of life.
An afternoon visitation for Kenneth will be held Friday, December 6, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah 84106. A funeral service will occur Friday, December 6, 2024 at 1:00 PM, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah 84106. An interment will occur Friday, December 6, 2024 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah 84106.
