Funeral For: Ken Krahn
Funeral Date: May 8, 2025
On Friday, April 25th, 2025 at 3:15 p.m., Kenneth James Krahn, age 49, passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre surrounded by his loved ones. Ken is survived by his devoted wife Sara, and beloved children Julianna, Alexander, Nicholas, and John (Yellowquill), his parents Helene and Gerhard Krahn, his sister Sandra (Mark) Bergman and their children, Jake, Ava, and Luke, as well as Sara’s family Grace (Gerald) Lawler, Neil (Lil) Willms, Amy (Cory) Warms, Luke (Carmen) Willms, Dan (Jocelyne) Willms, and their families. He also had a whole host of close friends from all parts of his life that were very special to him. Ken was predeceased by his special uncle and dear friend, Erich Hirschfeld, and his grandparents, Louise and Friedrich Hirschfeld of Winnipeg, and Anna & Bernhard Krahn of Paraguay.
Ken was born on May 20th, 1975 at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg. As a child Ken developed a love for watching sports and enjoyed playing soccer. Their family attended North Kildonan Mennonite Church (Roch Ave) and Ken was active in the youth group. He went to Westgate Mennonite Collegiate, where many of his lifelong friendships began, and graduated from River East Collegiate. From the ages of 15 to 25, Ken was a counsellor at Camp Moose Lake. The weeks for campers with intellectual disabilities were his favourite; a passion that Uncle Erich and Ken shared.
Ken met his wife, Sara Willms, on August 19, 1999 while stopped in traffic on Main Street and they married exactly one year later. They started their married life by moving to Brandon so Ken could attend university, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing. They found a faith community at the Richmond Park MB Church where Ken was baptized in 2001. Through this church, they were asked to be house-parents for the Youth For Christ Uturn House which was a supportive home for at-risk and unhoused youth. During that year, they lived with and mentored up to five teenage girls at a time. Special connections were made with several of the girls that continue today - in particular, Roxy Price and her daughter Lexi, who have become Ken and Sara’s bonus daughter/granddaughter.
After his graduation, Ken and Sara moved back to Winnipeg and welcomed their first child Julianna, with Alexander and Nicholas following two years after, respectively. Ken’s sister Sandra and Mark also welcomed their three children in the same years and so the six Bergman/Krahn cousins grew up together and remain close. Ken often planned events for the six kids and loved the adventures they had together.
Ken loved people and connection. Throughout his career as a Child and Adolescent Mental Health worker, Ken helped many children and young people in rural Manitoba. He loved his clients (‘His Kids’) and his coworkers. Ken took pride in his role and in learning and growing as an individual. Recently he completed a two year advanced certification in mental health and addictions; his dream was to work as a therapist in northern Indigenous communities in his retirement years. Another connecting point was at church. Ken and Sara made special friendships when attending Nassau Street Church while their kids were young. Later, he volunteered in Kidz Church as a small group leader for grades 1-4, at The Meeting Place church, where he and Sara have attended for the past 15+ years. He loved to read the Christmas story for the family and served as ‘Pastor Ken’ when the family opted for ‘Home Church’.
Ken was a true sports fan! He will be remembered for his love of the San Francisco 49ers above all else but also, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Winnipeg Jets, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Ken enjoyed playing a variety of sports during his adulthood, including sponge hockey, soccer, curling, billiards, bowling, and tennis. Ken was a proud supporter of his children’s activities by attending and managing many sports teams throughout the years.
Another passion of Ken’s was shopping. He had a particular love for thrift shopping with his coworkers at MCC Niverville. Throughout the years he had made many good finds, however not all his purchases were winners. Occasionally, he was known to buy an ugly sweater, or an unwanted item or two, that made his kids roll their eyes. A special skill of Ken’s was event planning, whether that be a trip, birthday party, hockey windups, or special activities just because. Ken was very thoughtful and made everyone feel loved with his gifts. He often spoiled his children with their favourite snacks, toys, or anything he knew they would enjoy.
The untimely death of his best friend and uncle, Erich Hirschfeld in 2014 was a devastating loss for Ken. Ken had a realization that life is short and wanted to spend more time with his family. That Spring, Ken and Sara purchased a seasonal site at Lilac Resort and this ‘home-away-from-home’ created a spot to spend time together with family and friends. Many memories were made playing cards, telling stories around the fire, and hot-tubbing.
In November of 2019, the Krahn family grew again, when they welcomed 11-month-old Johnny to their family. Ken and Johnny had an instant bond. Ken was thrilled to revert back buying toys and his favourite time, nap time. Ken loved booking hotels, making itineraries and planning family vacations with his kids. A recent highlight was the Krahn/Bergmans group of 13 traveling to Arizona in March 2023. After his diagnosis he was so grateful we had not waited to do these special family trips.
Ken was diagnosed with a brain tumour (Glioblastoma) on October 13th, 2023 and he faced each day with a positive attitude and a grateful spirit. Throughout his journey, he found joy in going for walks, taking deep breaths, stretching at the local community centre with the seniors, and his many, many coffee dates with old and new friends alike. The fuller his social calendar was, the better!
A celebration of his life will take place on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road, with light lunch to follow. Family encourages everyone to wear a favorite jersey in honor of Ken. A private burial will take place prior to the service. A livestream link to view the service will be posted here once available.
Donations in his honour can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee or Gray for Glioblastoma.