Kenneth C. Walcheck

Kenneth C. Walcheck, longtime Montana wildlife biologist, educator, writer, and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully after a full and active life marked by curiosity, service, and a deep love for the natural world.

Kenneth was born January 26, 1931, in Denmark, Wisconsin. He graduated from Custer High School in Milwaukee in 1949. Following high school, he worked at Nash Motors before enlisting in the United States Navy during the Korean War, serving four years as a Petty Officer Second Class (Gunner's Mate) aboard the USS Pawcatuck and USS Briarius.

After his military service, Kenneth earned a double major in Wildlife Conservation Management and Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and later completed his Master of Science in Applied Science (Ecology) at Montana State University. He taught biology-related courses at Northern Montana College before joining the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks in 1971 as a Wildlife Information Biologist, a role he considered the highlight of his career. He authored numerous wildlife articles for Montana Outdoors and other publications.

Kenneth met his wife, Priscilla Grace Lockwood, while working for the National Park Service at Denali National Park, where they married in 1960. After his retirement in 1992, the couple settled in Bozeman, Montana, where Kenneth continued writing, lecturing, and pursuing his lifelong interests in conservation, natural history, and the outdoors. He found great joy in spending time with his son's and their families.

An avid hunter, fisherman, hiker, and birdwatcher, Kenneth remained active well into his later years. He was also a devoted reader, writer, traveler, gardener, and loyal Green Bay Packers fan.

He was preceded in death by his wife Priscilla and his parents. He is survived by his sons Barry (Mary Ellen) (Cypress, Texas), Brian (Kay) (Appleton, Wisconsin), Bruce (Cara) (Lino Lakes, Minnesota), and Brett (Kalispell, Montana); eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Services will be held in the summer and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com