TRATCH, Kenneth “Ken”

KENNETH TRATCH October 19, 1941 – June 5, 2026 KEN TRATCH, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Kathleen “Kathy” Tratch, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2026, with his family by his side. He lived 84 full and meaningful years, leaving a legacy of love, wisdom, service, and treasured memories.
Ken was a devoted father to Carole (Damian) Lee, Karen (Dennis) Hoffman, and Robert Tratch. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Kenneth (Danielle) Sterenberg, Ryan (Ashley) Sterenberg, Mark (Joy) Hoffman, Katelyn (Connor) Allison, Robbie (Ashleigh) Hoffman, and Sophie Kinniburgh. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Willow Hoffman.
Ken will be fondly remembered by his longtime golfing companions, Tiv Erias, Sumio Setiguchi, and Jack Gleason, as well as his dear friend Roch Bruneau, who predeceased him.
Ken met the love of his life, Kathleen (“Kass”) Sharples, and they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. They first met while teaching at Our Lady of the Assumption School as first-year teachers. Ken later taught at Catholic Central High School before serving as principal at St. Patrick’s School and Children of St. Martha’s School.
Retiring at the age of 55, Ken continued to pursue his passion for education by completing his Master’s degree and serving as a school board trustee. He also proudly represented the community as a member of Lethbridge City Council and was a dedicated, longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.
Ken was a gifted craftsman who enjoyed building oak furniture in his workshop and creating beautiful stained-glass artwork. He took special pleasure in making handmade Christmas gifts for his family, each one lovingly signed, “For my Children.”
Ken and Kass embraced retirement together, traveling to numerous countries over two decades and creating many cherished memories along the way.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. with Sharon Hagel officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Luke Tran celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Ken’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
A Private Graveside will be held, where Ken will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com