Ken Stueve

Kenneth “Ken” Stueve, a man known for his intelligence, adventurous spirit, and interesting personality, passed away on December 1, 2025, at the age of 81. Ken leaves behind a legacy of unconventional thinking and boundless curiosity that touched everyone who had the privilege of crossing his path. The self-appointed pigeon patrol officer will be sorely missed by this fine feathered community.

Ken was proud to have served eleven honorable years in the United States Navy. He was stationed to the USS Enterprise in Southeast Asia, during the Vietnam conflict. He ended his military career at the Naval Reactors Facility working as an instructor at A1W. After his military service, he worked at the INL at the Advanced Test Reactor as a reactor operator and shift manager. He ended his career at the INL in the Nuclear Safety department, retiring after 25 years of service.

Ken’s adventurous spirit shone through in various aspects of his life, from his nuclear career to his hunting and fishing adventures. He was never afraid to explore new places, ideas or experiences, making him an interesting companion with whom to share any journey.

Ken was an ardent hunter-gatherer. In a world where conformity can be common, Ken pursued his prey without concern for convention or expectation. His adventures led to many perilous predicaments that he loved to recount over a jigger of home brew, after which he was always ready to recite the reverse alphabet for the journey home.

Ken raised his children to be brave, strong, resilient, and resourceful. During an outing with Dad, survival was never guaranteed. Whether it was gathering firewood in a snowstorm, wrangling wild rock chucks or fishing Henry’s Lake in a 40-mph gale, the family emerged united and strong.

A man of many talents, Ken could do just about anything with one hand holding a beer. He crafted aromatic wine, gourmet breakfast burritos, and extensive spreadsheets. His hobbies were wide ranging and his talents far too numerous to list.

Rest in peace, Ken. Your indomitable spirit and unapologetic individuality will live on in the hearts of those you have touched during your brief sojourn on this planet. Your friends and family will cherish the memories you left behind, and aspire to live their lives with the same fearlessness and adventurousness that defined your own.

Ken is survived by his beloved (and long enduring) wife of 62 years, Karen Stueve; his children, Kevin Stueve, Kirk (Susan) Stueve and Kristie (Grady) Green; sister, Renee (Terry) Eifler; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Evelyn Stueve; siblings, Keith Stueve, Denise Pease, and Wanda Mitchell; and grandson Kadin Green.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. on December 20, 2025, at the Idaho Falls Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, where he was a devoted member. (Address: 635 Hammett Ave, Idaho Falls, Idaho). Please come and join us for a drink in his honor.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com