Kenneth L. Kercher

Anchorage resident Kenneth L. Kercher, 78, died at home on March 6, 2012, with his wife of 54 years by his side.

Ken was born on April 23, 1933, in Helena Mont., to Conrad and Katherine Kercher.

In 1958, he married Patricia M. Bauer, also from Helena, and they moved to Anchorage, where he worked numerous construction jobs throughout the state from 1958-69. He worked construction in the Prudhoe Bay oil fields until retiring in 1998.

Ken was a 50-year member of the Local 302 Operating Engineers.

Ken enjoyed playing golf, watching the Anchorage Aces, and especially enjoyed spending time on his boat with family and friends on the waters of Kachemak and Resurrection bays, where he fished in the yearly Seward Silver Salmon Derby. Although he never won, he did boat a 250-pound halibut fishing the derby. He also enjoyed campfires on the beach and attending activities for his six grandkids.

Ken is survived by his wife, Pat Kercher; daughters, Denise Jones and Jeri Kercher of Anchorage; son, Kevin and daughter-in-law, Terrisa Kercher of Wasilla; and grandchildren, Sarah and Cody Jones of Anchorage and William, Corey, Kyle and Liza of Wasilla.

Preceding him in death were his father, Conrad; mother, Katherine Kercher; and sister, Janet Johnson.

Arrangements are with Janssen’s Evergreen Memorial Chapel. Visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at janssenfuneralhomes.com.