With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ken "Cuddles" James Kjelsberg of Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Ken passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, at the Swift Current Hospital, with his loving wife Joanne by his side. He was 70 years old.
Ken was born in Kyle, Saskatchewan, in 1954 and spent his early years there, attending school until his graduation in 1973. From the moment he could walk, he was drawn to farming, mastering equipment by the age of 10 and developing a deep-rooted passion for the land.
In 1974, fate brought Ken and Joanne together through a mutual friend, Lillian. Their love story unfolded quickly, and they were married on June 28, 1975, at St. Olaf’s Church in Swift Current. Together, they built a beautiful life, welcoming their beloved son, Jason, on May 3, 1977. They shared 49 and a half wonderful years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
As a father, Ken was incredibly devoted. He spent countless days and nights at the pool, driving Jay to swim meets, cheering him on with pride, and supporting him in every way possible. His dedication to his son was unwavering, and he was always there to encourage, guide, and celebrate every achievement.
Ken was a man of many talents, always working with his hands and putting his heart into everything he did. His career took him from working at Kyle Welding and Machine Shop in Kyle to drywalling in Swift Current, then to Dales Implements – an Allis-Chalmers dealership that he later co-owned with his business partner, Gary Martins. After selling the dealership, he worked for the RMs around Swift Current and later started a trucking company, CAM-BERG Transport, with Don Campbell. Ultimately, his heart always led him back to farming, where he worked for various farmers until ill health forced his retirement at the age of 55.
Beyond work, Ken’s soul was filled with music. From his childhood at Clearwater Lake to his later years, music was his constant companion. He loved playing the guitar and collected many instruments, but his true love remained the guitar, especially the steel guitar.
Ken shared his gift through the gospel group Glory Bound, where he not only played but was also a master mechanic, fixed the bus and drove it, traveling across Western Canada. After Glory Bound, he was also involved with the Country Church at the Baptist Church. After Country Church, they started a hymn sing at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Swift Current, where he played monthly with his dear friend Nancy Peters and other musicians. During this time, he also found a musical home with Country Strings, playing alongside dear friends until his passing.
Ken’s love for music took him on many adventures, from the Gospel Quartet in Red Deer, where he cherished time with his son Jay, to the Branson Music Festival, where he soaked in every note and every performance. He also enjoyed attending many jamborees throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan, always surrounded by good friends and great music.
Though Ken loved many things—his work, his music, his farm life—his greatest joy was his family. His granddaughters, Finlee and Macie, were the lights of his life, and he treasured every visit to Red Deer to spend time with them.
Ken is survived by his devoted wife, Joanne Kjelsberg; his son Jason (Crystal) Kjelsberg; his adored granddaughters, Finlee and Macie Kjelsberg; his sisters Ione (Myron) Scherger and Avis (Bruce) Grant; his special cousin Glenda Riediger and her family; sisters-in-law Isabelle Buehler and Shirley Wall; brother-in-law Pat Frickie; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He is reunited in peace with his parents, Art and Christine Kjelsberg; his mother and father in- law Clarence and Mary Frickie, his grandparents, the Kjelsberg's and the Mosby's; his brothers-in-law, Les Frickie and Ken Wall; and many cherished family members who went before him.
Ken’s life was one of hard work, deep love, and unwavering faith. His kindness, humor, and music filled the lives of those around him, and his presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy will live on in the songs he played, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely.
While his body was broken, we are grateful that he is now whole again in God's love.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Ken’s memory by playing a song, sharing a story, or spending time with loved ones—just as he always did. If you would like to make a donation on Ken’s behalf, you may do so to:
Diabetes Canada – Saskatchewan Branch
Regional Leadership Centre South
917 A Albert Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4R 2P6
Rest easy, Ken. Your music plays on.
Arrangements entrusted to Warren’s Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit the website www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.