Kenneth Ahlburn Gropp

Kenneth Ahlburn Gropp

A memorial service for Kenneth Ahlburn Gropp, 78, will be held June 22, 2001 at the Congregational Church in Lusk at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Donald Chanselor officiating.

Ken died June 15, 2001 in Phoenix, Arizona following heart surgery.

Ken Gropp was born in Webb, Saskatchewan, Canada to Ahlburn and Irene (Everson) Gropp, being the oldest of five children. Ken joined the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II and became a Flying Officer.

He married Betty Shelstad in 1943 and they started a family in 1945. After the war, Ken returned to finish high school and then went on to college in Saskatoon. In 1950, they migrated to the United States to farm and ranch outside of Box Elder, Montana.

They moved to Niobrara County, Wyoming in 1967 where they bought the Ruth Joss, Bergren, Sabin, Hitts, Urbanek and Donald McConnaugh places.

Ken served as the Niobrara County Representative in the Wyoming Legislature for 4 years. He was instrumental in bringing the Women's prison to Lusk. He was a lifetime member of the Elks and a Master Mason with the Harmony Lodge in Big Sandy, Montana. Ken was a very hard worker who enjoyed family outing and visits with friends.

He was always ready to help others. Many hours, equipment and resources were volunteered to assist others or answering requests by others.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, son Larry, brother Gordon and sister Ardeen Smith.

He is survived by his son Gordon of Lusk, daughters Edith (Butch) Wieland of Sheridan, WY and Keni (Ron) Cundall of Lusk. Sisters Glenna Cory and Vie (Les) Wightman, sister-in-law, Dory and Bill Jefferies, all of Swift Current, Sask., granddaughters Tia Gropp of Chadron, NE., Shyla Cundall, of Phoenix, AZ.. Shanda Cundall of Gillette, WY, Kali Cundall of Lusk and grandson Kole Wieland of Sheridan.

A special friend, Leona McMaster and many nephews and nieces including Don Forbes of Texas also survive him.

Memorial has been established for the Niobrara County Library Endowment Fund.

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