Kenneth Kriete
Kenneth Eugene Kriete, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully April 19, 2025, at the age of 93. A lifelong resident of Ephrata, Wash., Kenny was known for his kindness, humor and dedication to his family and community.
Born in Wenatchee, Wash., Kenny grew up on his family’s dairy farm near Ephrata. He graduated from Ephrata High School in 1950 and proudly served in the National Guard. After running the Signal Service Station and working at Grant County Public Utility District, Kenny began a 33-year career with the United States Postal Service, where he built lifelong friendships and always greeted customers with a smile and a joke.
In 1955, Kenny married the love of his life, Betty Wickwire. Together they raised three children — Lisa, Lesli and Joey — and built a life centered around family, camping trips and supporting Ephrata High School athletics. Kenny was an avid coin and token collector and longtime member of the Northwest Token & Medal Association and the Odessa Coin Club. He was also a proud member of the Grant County Historical Society.
In his later years, Dad relocated to the Garden Oasis Assisted Living Facility, where he was blessed to reunite with some old friends and create new relationships with fellow residents and the wonderful staff. He continued to spread his warmth, humor and kindness every day, just as he always had. The family would like to thank the Garden Oasis team for the exceptional care they provided Dad during his time there.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Frank Kriete; his brothers, Ben Kriete and Donald (Red) Kriete; and his son-in-law, Chester Hamilton.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Kriete; children Lisa Hamilton, Lesli Lehrman (Dale), and Joey Kriete (Jennifer); sister Ruth Carroll; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin Street SW, Ephrata, Wash.
Kenny Kriete was a veteran and lifelong Ephrata resident whose community will feel his absence greatly.
