Hammerstedt, Kenneth

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Ken Hammerstedt announce his peaceful passing, with Judy by his side at the St. Michael's Palliative Care unit after a hard-fought, three-year battle with cancer on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the age of 70 years. 

Ken was born in Winnipeg, MB on August 21, 1952 to Clara and Ole Hammerstedt and enjoyed an adventurous, active childhood and teen years with siblings Nancy, Ron, Peggy and Lori. In 1966 the Hammerstedt's moved to Lethbridge, where Ken attended Winston Churchill and went on to graduate from LCI in 1971. On July 7, 1973, Ken married the girl from across the park, Judy Joevenazzo and they have had 50+ wonderful years together. 

After high school Ken worked in the trailer manufacturing industry as a purchasing agent. In 1979, he returned to school and graduated from SAIT with an honors diploma in Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering Technology. In 1984, their daughter Kristi was born and the family moved to Winnipeg where Ken was employed with Boeing of Canada which was his dream job. Their son Kyle was born in 1986 in Winnipeg before they decided to move back to Alberta to be closer to family. Ken worked for Northwest Industries in Edmonton prior to finally moving back to Lethbridge to work for Varsteel. He retired from Varsteel in 2015. 

After retirement, Ken and Judy were able to travel more with Ken's favorite holiday spot being the Hawaiian Islands. 

Ken was a true athlete and outdoors person. He played lacrosse, baseball, golf and ball hockey however, his true passion was ice hockey which he played up until he became ill. His love of the outdoors meant camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing and biking. 

As a proud Dad, he spent as much time as possible involved with Kristi and Kyle, whether it was hockey, school concerts and activities or camping in the family trailer. 

Before his passing he was over the moon delighted to become a grandpa to Winnie who was born in July 2021. 

Ken is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Kristi, son Kyle (Kristen), granddaughter Winnie, father Ole, siblings Ron (Kim), Peggy (Kim), Lori (Scott); in-laws Bill (Val), Randy (Elaine), Cindy, Kathy (Randy); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his mom Clara, sister Nancy, and parents-in-law Ivy and Frank Joevenazzo. 

The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre and the St. Michael's Palliative Care Unit, Vishal and Andrea at the Medicine Shoppe, Dr. M. Amatto and all of our family and friends who have supported us through this very difficult journey. We appreciate your support more than you will ever know. 

Ken's Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 2:00 PM. As Ken's favorite attire was Levi blue jeans, the family encourages you to wear your favorite blue jeans in Ken's honor. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre at the Chinook Regional Hospital or the St. Michael's Palliative Care Unit.