Kenneth “Ken” Battisti, was born July 24, 1951 to Charles and Josephine Battisti in Laramie, Wyoming. During his high school years, he enjoyed swimming on the school team and became a state champion before graduating in 1969. He moved to California, where he worked for a couple of years before returning to Laramie to roughneck and pursue his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He met his future wife, Kim Smith, in 1979 at a house party where they discussed engineering professors. Ken graduated college in 1983 after which he and Kim moved to Albuquerque, NM for Ken’s first engineering job with Copland-Moran. Ken and Kim married in Waco, NE in June 1984. His first son, Roman, was born March, 1986 and his second son, Chris, was born December 1987. Ken attained his Professional Engineering license in 1988. He and his family moved to Minneapolis, MN in 1990 when he got a job with Setter-Leech. He would later move on to a job with Target. In 1999 they moved back to Laramie, WY, where he lived until his death. Ken thoroughly enjoyed his 16 years working for the University of Wyoming Physical Plant and the friends and colleges he met along the way. Ken passed away March 24, 2016 from Esophageal Cancer, which he had been battling since 2012.
Ken Battisti’s favorite hobby was riding and working on his motorcycles. He bought his first motorcycle as soon as he was able after working from a young age. One of his favorite rides was going to Walden and stopping at Wycolo Lodge, but he enjoyed any ride so long as it was with friends. He inherited his love of hunting and fishing from his father. He hunted every year for Pronghorn, elk, and/or moose, whichever license he happened to pull. He and his father fished a lake west of Laramie for a number of years while his father was in good health, and Ken continued the tradition by retaining his father’s lifetime membership when Charles passed away in 2013. Even when the weather wasn’t good, one could find Ken working on his 1970 blue Chevy truck. Replacing anything from seats to consoles to engine parts, it was an eternal project to which he gladly gave his spare time.
Throughout his life, Ken always provided for others. He was always concerned about the wellbeing of his family and friends. Those who survive him have been forever affected by him for the better and he will always be remembered fondly and missed dearly. He is survived by his wife, Kim; his sons, Roman and Chris his wife, Ashley; his mother, Josephine; and his siblings, Chuck and Vicki Battisti.
I got to know Ken well when he decided to jump from oil rig hand to engineering college freshman. He cut a unique presence there in his trademark greasy jeans, Harley-Davidson t-shirt, unbuttoned flannel shirt, scuffed-up leather jacket, and engineering boots. With his commanding size, long shaggy hair and beard, it’s safe to say, he stood out among his classmates. Fortunately, to back up that pirate persona, I can testify Ken had one of the sharpest insightful engineering minds. Initially I helped tutor Ken but quickly realized I was not his level. Like his brother Chuck, I was mystified how these Battistis defied stereotyping. Ken could have been a first class anything, but he was certainly a hands-on-guy. I have decades of Ken memories, but those colleges years when he flowered were the ones I cherish the most. During that time, Ken reminded me of Ken Kesey, who Ken mentioned he once met during his sojourn in California. Life was more electric around Ken: somehow he managed to live in the grandest mansion in Laramie across the street from his classes where an eclectic assortment of friends from professors to bikers would gather. Ken definitely loved his family and friends and made life more interesting, and that is highest honor a man can have.
I was so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I will always remember with great fondness the first time I met the Battisti clan at Ken and Kim's wedding reception in Laramie. It was the first time I met George's friends and was regaled with stories of your crazy younger years. Ken was a kind, good man and will be greatly missed. You will be in my thoughts during this difficult time.
My condolences Chuck. Many years since high school and I trust things are going okay for your family in this time.
Our thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of Ken, he was a great man and a joy to be around, you'll be missed my friend. Sue and Joe Heide
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ken. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Patti Kopf Kopriva and family
Ken was a lifelong friend of mine and will always hold a place in my heart. I am glad I was able to attend his life celebration. Seeing the large number of family and friends who turned out to celebrate his life was a testament to the quality of man, husband, father, and friend he was to so many. His light will continue to shine thru all of us, whose lives he touched so deeply. My deepest love and condolences to you Kim, my dearest friend, and to your sons and his family.
I am saddened to hear about Ken's passing. Ken was a great guy, fun to be with and a good heart. My heart goes out to all of his family. RIP Ken
Dear Jo, Chuck, Vickie and Family, We are so heartbroken to hear of Ken's passing. We will always cherish the many times our families were together for meals and fun; the Monolith, St. Laurence and Laramie High make me feel we have known you all forever. We extend our sincere sorrow for the loss of your son, brother, husband and father. May the Lord walk beside you all during the days to come. Gloria and Jeff Codd, Sugar Land, Texas
I first met Ken when he moved to California in the early 70's and even made a trip with him to Laramie one Thanksgiving. After he moved back to Wyoming we lost touch, but I was kept in the loop by his brother Chuck, who I haven't heard from now for a few years. I was so sad to hear the news. Chuck - call me!
Ken was a great friend. I always enjoyed visiting with him at the reunions. Good memories. Blessings to his family. Hugs, love and prayers to you. Jackie Birt Benson (class of 1969)
Hola Kim and Family, Our condolences to you and you are in our thoughts and prayers this Easter/Resurrection Sunday. It seems like a long time since we worked together removing blighted houses from the City of Minneapolis... Please contact me if or when you visit in the summer months. Your friend, Cheryl Groettum (retired and living in Puerto Vallarta for the winter months).
Kim and family so sorry to hear the passing of Ken he will be missed RIP my friend.
It is with sadness I learn of Ken's passing. We worked together one summer (1969?) at UW as part of a window washing crew...he had a great sense of humor. Wish I'd have known him better. My condolences to his family... Clayton Stevens, SLC, UT