Kenneth "Ken" Charles Palagi

Kenneth (Ken) Charles Palagi departed this life to be with the Lord on May 24, 2021. Ken was born March 5, 1932 to Julius and Helen Palagi. Ken spent his childhood growing up in Black Eagle and Great Falls, Montana. When reflecting on his childhood, Ken recalled how children were free to roam and spent time fishing, swimming, playing sports of all types outside and raiding gardens without a babysitter watching your every move. Ken graduated from Great Falls High School in 1950 and entered the Army in 1952. Also in 1952 Ken married Dahrl Miller. Together they had two children, Raquell and Bradley. Ken and Dahrl later divorced. In 1957 Ken married Edna Mae Ingram and spent the next 64 plus years together. They raised three sons, Gregory, K.C. and Douglas. Ken worked many jobs in his younger years including bartending, county road crew, vehicle repossession and real estate. Ken's parents owned and operated several taverns and this propelled Ken into the same business for the majority of his life. Over the years Ken operated the Pension Bar, Stockman's Bar, Cartwheel Lounge, Red Door Lounge, Hi-Ho Tavern, Riverview Lounge, It'l Do Bar and the Chouteau House. Ken was most proud of the Cartwheel Lounge as he designed and built the Cartwheel Lounge on the lot where his mother Helen's parent's home once stood. Ken was always involved and supportive in raising his children and of all their activities. In the mid 1970’s, he developed a new passion for race horses. He always enjoyed the ponies, and in 1976, he purchased his first three race horses, continuing to own and train race horses until 2005. Ken raced horses in many states and Alberta, Canada, with up to fifteen horses in his stable. Ken also enjoyed fishing, watching sports, driving in the mountains, hollering at politicians on the TV and tending to the yard and garden. Ken is survived by his wife Edna Mae; sons Gregory of Great Falls, K.C. (Terri) of Great Falls, Douglas (Darlene) of Great Falls; grandchildren Mike Palagi of Oregon City, Oregon, Cassandra (Kolten) Wenckus of Billings, Mt., Shaye (Eric) Bodine of Helena, Mt., Bert Palagi of Bozeman, Mt., Lexi (Zakk) Jones of Great Falls; great grandchildren Remi Wenckus and Baby Jones (coming in July) along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren from Raquell and Bradley. Ken was preceded in death by his parents Julius and Helen, sisters Viola and Grace and children Raquell and Bradley. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Inlieu of flowers please make donations to Peace Hospice or a charity of your choice.