Kenneth Tiefenthaler, 81

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Wagner Community Church in Wagner, SD. Visitation is Wednesday from 10 to 11 AM at the church. Private burial will be in St. Mark's Catholic Cemetery in Lake Andes. To watch Ken's service, it will be live streamed via Facebook Live on Peters Funeral Home Wagner facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064329392413&mibextid=kFxxJD

Kenneth Alphonse Tiefenthaler, born on June 4, 1942, in Butte, Nebraska, to Angela (Schrad) and Joseph Tiefenthaler, peacefully joined our Father in God's embrace on December 8, 2023 at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls.

The family relocated to Lake Andes, South Dakota, when Ken was nine years old. He attended both grade school and high school there, actively participating in various sports until his graduation in 1960.

Following graduation, Ken married his high school sweetheart, Carol Sejnoha, and moved his family to Montana to engage in construction work alongside his brothers. Returning in 1966, he secured a position at Terrace Park in Armour, SD, where he and Carol raised their family.

Ken had a passion for hunting, mastering the use of a goose call, and enjoyed fishing, baseball, football, and basketball. He actively participated in the Sunshine League, both playing and umpiring, and found joy in activities like bowling, golf, card games, and trips to Vegas. His love for the green grass of spring training games in Arizona was undeniable. Above all, Ken cherished watching his sons excel in their sports.

In 1976, Ken achieved a significant milestone as the first coach to bring a State Championship to Armour, followed by a Junior Legion State Baseball Championship in 1979. In 1988, he relocated to Wagner, SD, where he served the Police Department for over twenty years, making a positive impact on the community.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Angela and Joseph, and his siblings, Bob, Larry, and Shirley Hahn.

He is survived by his younger sister, Betty (Ray) Westendorf of Woonsocket, and four sons: Dennis (Patricia) of Dewey, AZ, Jeff (Brenda) of Spencer, IA, Kenny Jay (Debbie) of Brookings, SD and Pat (Pam) of Sioux Falls, SD. Ken leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. His legacy of love, dedication, and community service will be remembered fondly.