Kenneth Leroy Gathman, known to many as Ken, Kenny, or Coach, passed away peacefully on the night of September 10, 2026, with his family by his side.

Ken was born May 23, 1946, to Theodore “Ted” and Bernice (Zimmerman) Gathman in Berthold, North Dakota. The middle child of 11 children, he grew up playing baseball and sharing his father’s love for the game. He also became an avid hunter and fisherman, helping put food on the family’s table.

After high school, Ken served in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, he worked for the railroad. During those years, he developed a love for rodeo, and more importantly, fell in love with Ardyce Wold.

Ken later began working for the telephone company. Always an adventurer, he moved his family west to a small community outside Portland, Oregon, where they lived until the children finished school. Ken and Ardyce then followed his work from Oregon to Colorado and back to Oregon before eventually retiring in North Dakota. They spent time in Carpio before settling on the family property where Ardyce grew up, north of Watford City.

Ken believed strongly in giving his time to others. He served as a volunteer firefighter in Corbett, Oregon, and was always willing to help with community events.

One of his greatest passions was Junior Olympic rifle shooting. Coaching took him across the country, where he helped develop numerous local and national champions, collegiate athletes, and All-Americans. To generations of young shooters, he was simply “Coach.” His influence reached far beyond the firing line, and the lessons, encouragement, and discipline he shared will continue through the many lives he touched.

Later in life, Ken returned to the hobbies he had loved since childhood—fishing and hunting with his brothers, nephews, and nieces. The Berthold Sportsmen’s Club also held a special place in his heart.

Ken is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ardyce Gathman; his son, Trevor (Dixi) Gathman; granddaughters, Miah and Anna Gathman; his sisters, Jean (Francis) Hennessy, Judy (Bob) Schwehr, and Mary Kurtz; sister- in-law Laurie Gathman; his brothers, Jim (Teresa) Gathman and Steve (Kim) Gathman; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the many junior shooters whose lives he influenced throughout his years of coaching.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nicole “Nikki” Gathman; his parents, Theodore (Ted) and Bernice Gathman; his brothers, Frank (Virginia) Gathman, Ted Gathman, George (Pat) Gathman, and Gary Gathman; and his sister, Kathy (Vergil) Mosser.

Memorial Contribution