Ken Witzeling passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 99. His personal goal was to live to be 100 years and one day — an ambition he nearly achieved. He lived independently in his home in Powell, Wyoming, until just a few months before his passing.
Ken was a proud graduate of the University of Wyoming College of Pharmacy and remained a lifelong advocate for the profession. He owned and operated Skyline Drug Store in Powell, Wyoming, with his wife, Betty for 23 years, after starting his career as a pharmacist in Worland. Ken served as president of the Wyoming Pharmaceutical Association and completed two terms on the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy. He also generously supported the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy through several significant donations.
Deeply committed to his community, Ken was actively involved in civic life in both Powell and Worland. He served on chamber of commerce boards, city councils, hospital boards, airport boards, and was a lifelong member of Kiwanis. He volunteered with numerous service organizations and was honored twice with the Powell Chamber Community Builder Award. Ken was also a founding member and president of the Powell Merc, a community-owned department store that earned nationwide recognition.
Ken served his country during World War II as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Force, where he developed a lifelong love of aviation. He became a private pilot and owned his own plane, often flying across the country with his wife, Betty, who was also a pilot.
As a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Powell, Ken was an active participant and helped the congregation raise funds for a new church building. He also volunteered many hours contributing his woodworking skills to church projects.
Together, Ken and Betty shared a passion for travel, taking many international trips. Ken documented these journeys through his beautiful photography and frequently shared his experiences through slide presentations with community groups and family.
Ken was born and raised in Wisconsin where he met his wife Betty. After graduation from pharmacy school, they were married and Ken persuaded Betty to move to the state he loved — Wyoming — where they built a life together, raised two sons, and embraced its natural beauty and strong sense of community.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Betty. He is survived by his sons, David (Worland) and Todd and wife Nancy (Casper); his grandchildren, Scott and wife Erblina, great-grandsons Dorian and Denis (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), and Jenny and great-grandson, Max (Ashburn, Virginia).
Special thanks to the staff at Heartland Assisted Living in Powell, and New Horizons Care Center and North Big Horn Hospital in Lovell.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 675 Avenue D, Powell, WY.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the preschool fund at Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Homesteader Museum, or the charity of your choice. 