Ken was born on June 4, 1929 in Salt Lake City. He is the son of Albert Gottlieb Zenger and Marianne Pueschel Zenger. Ken attended Riverside Elementary School, Jordan Junior High, and West High School, graduating in 1947.
He married Shirley Ann Means, the angel of his life, on March 6, 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple. Shortly before getting married, Ken was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the North Central States Mission (1950-1952).
Ken graduated from the University of Utah in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Communications and a minor in History. He then obtained his master’s degree in Educational Administration in 1960. Ken was the Speech and Debate teacher for 27 years at South High School during the years of 1959 through 1986. His students won numerous awards, and his students were always in the finals and the championship competition in local and statewide events.
Ken served several years as the Utah State Director of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). He recruited many teachers for the AFT and was one of the instrumental sparks in promoting the rapid growth of the AFT during the organization’s early years in Utah. Ken was also a lobbyist at the Utah State Legislature for several years, lobbying for teachers’ issues.
Ken was the Event Coordinator, publicist, and announcer for the Phoenix Jazz and Swing Band during the years 2015-2017. He also taught Public Speaking for Granite Peaks.
Ken served in the Bishopric of the South 2nd Ward (Liberty Stake) and was the Ward Mission Leader in the Holladay 1st Ward (Holladay Stake) and was also a Ward Missionary.
His greatest joy was his angel wife, Shirley, and his neat, neat, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren! The early child rearing days were challenging. Shirley provided constant support and encouragement to Ken during the struggles and challenges while Ken was working to obtain his college education and an advanced degree while supporting a family. Shirley’s unwavering determination provided the children an example of unconditional love which she exemplified so perfectly. Ken said many, many times that he had a perfect companion with his angel, Shirley.
Ken felt so lucky to have Shirley and the children along during several trips to Yellowstone, Disneyland, and Hawaii. A trip to Europe was a highlight experience for all. His children expressed how lucky they were to have had so many adventures with their father and mother. The children and grandchildren also enjoyed an amazing, unforgettable trip to Europe.
Every Birthday, holiday, (especially Christmas Eve) was a special occasion to Ken as he enjoyed his family and their love.
Sunday Dinners were a special time, sometimes a little chaotic, as events of the past week were shared. The younger family members were always excited to play with their cousins again. Sundays were always so special to all.
Ken was an avid gardener. His beautiful flowers, especially red tulips, were a show piece in the neighborhood. He was one of the first of the neighborhood gardeners to begin the early spring plantings.
Dad always taught (by example) his children and grandchildren to do a job which would give them personal pride in a job well done. He was always ready with a comment or compliment in hope of shaping some happy event for more fulfilling days. As several of the grandchildren often said, “Grandpa always made you feel special.” His family was the core of his life. His angel wife, Shirley set the stage for a sweet and fulfilled marriage.
Thank you to Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa for the love you showed us and for the great times and examples you set. We all will hear the echo whispering of happy times and laughing times in all of our lives.
Ken wanted to thank his social club (Stand-Bi’s) for their good times and memories since 1952.
Ken is survived by 9 of his 10 children: Greg Zenger, Lana Jeremy, Kim (Jaime) Zenger, Diane (Frank) Moffat, Merrilee (Clay) Wilson, Darrin (Katie) Zenger, Jill (Nelson) Gardner, Shauna (Christopher) Quick, and Justin (Libbie) Zenger. Also survived by his brother Lee Zenger, sister Barbara Nelson, and sister-in-law Ann Zenger Diehl. He also leaves a legacy of 33 grandchildren and 37 greatgrandchildren, and many students that he has influenced for life.
Ken is preceded in death by his mom and dad, sweet wife Shirley, loving son Kevin (Joni), great grandson angel Theodore Royal Mott, and brothers Gene, Ron, and Bruce.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 31st at the Holladay 1st Ward, 2065 East 4675 South, Holladay, Utah at 10 am. A viewing will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm the evening before and one hour prior to the services on Saturday in the same location.
Internment: Ken will be interred next to his dear wife, Shirley and son Kevin, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park on 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.
