Kenneth J. Gareis, 67, of Sterling, Colorado passed away on November 3, 2015 in Sterling, Colorado.

Viewing will be at Chaney-Reager on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., preceding the Rosary.

Rosary will be at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home in Sterling, Colorado on Friday, November 6, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Mass will be held Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Sterling, Colorado. Services will conclude at the church with dinner following at the Gary DeSoto Building.

Ken was born in Sterling, Colorado to John and Mary Ann Lechman Gareis on April 27,1948.

Ken attended St. Anthony's Catholic School, graduating in 1966. He attended Northeastern Junior College and the University of Northern Colorado.

In 1971 he was drafted into the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam as a medic with the 326th Medical Battalion, 101st Airborne Division. He received The Bronze Star Medal and The Army Commendation Medal.

Ken married Marla Lewis on April 22, 1972 in Sterling, Colorado. The couple was blessed with two children, Julie Gareis and Jason Gareis.

He was a member of Young Farmers of America, VFW, High Ten Sugar Beet Growers Association, Quality Club of Western Sugar, lifetime member of the Sterling Elks Lodge and lifetime member of OIDA. He served as member and officer on the Board of Directors for the High Plains Co-Op and Sterling Number 1 Irrigation Company.

His hobby was spending time on his Nook playing Solitaire. Farming and driving his truck "Barney" were his passion. He enjoyed his morning start with his friends at the J&L Café. Ken enjoyed time spent watching his three grandchildren at their sporting events.

Ken is survived by his wife; daughter Julie Gareis; son Jason Gareis and special friend Abi Marchant; grandchildren Taylor Gareis, Carson Gareis and Harley Gareis; mother-in-law Laurine Lewis; brothers Richard Gareis; James Gareis and wife Martha; sister-in-law Kelly Vaughan and husband Ben; nephews Tyler Gareis, Trent Gareis, Tanner Gareis, Zeb Vaughan; and nieces Tessa Gareis and Zoe Vaughan.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Gareis, father-in-law Ernest Lewis; sister-in-law Dee Ann Lebsack, nephews Christoper Gareis and Michael Scalva.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ken Gareis Memorial Fund which will be distributed among St. Anthony's Church, Hospice of the Plains and Melanoma Cancer Research.