Kenneth Frederick Leifheit

Kenneth F. Leifheit passed away on December 25, 2024, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Ken was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Ruth Leifheit. Ken is survived by his wife, Joan Leifheit, brothers, Larry (Anne) Leifheit and Rodney (Joyce) Leifheit, children, Scott (Connie) Leifheit, Mark Leifheit and Kim Harbin, Jill Plichta and Paul Cummins, Todd Webster, and Stephanie (Danny) Kirby, grandchildren, Brandon Leifheit, Jessica Leifheit, Matthew Leifheit, Logan Leifheit, Lucas (Emmy) Leifheit, Sophie Leifheit, Andrew (Kapi) Plichta, Bryce Plichta, Cody Plichta, Morgan (Josh) Whitfield, Harper Kirby and Hannah Kirby, and great grandchild, Wyatt Whitfield.

Ken suffered with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease for over a decade. He was a compassionate and faithful man who will be greatly missed. His family and friends are comforted in knowing he is clear minded in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Ken served in the army as a member of the 79th AAA missile battalion from 1957 to 1962. During his time in service, he was awarded a commendation as a Sharpshooter and Marksman by R. B. Freeman, 2nd Lt. AGG in 1958. As a 1969 graduate of Long Beach State, he worked as an engineer at the Factory Insurance Association before relocating to Tennessee in 1975. He worked for 25 years as a fire and safety engineer for the Department of Energy. After retirement, Ken loved spending time on the lake and at the beach with his family. He also enjoyed making custom cakes for his grandchildren's special occasions. He was an avid woodworker, and his grandchildren are blessed to have hand-crafted keepsakes such as rocking horses, toy chests and bunk beds. Ken was an active member of Cross Ministries providing and repairing bibles to many different countries. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church.

Receiving of friends will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 1-3pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home located at 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans' Home or Pat Summitt Foundation.