Kenneth Jay Wemple
Kenneth Jay Wemple (also known to many as “The Mayor of Milford”), Cattle Rancher, Cowboy, and lifelong resident of Milford California, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 17, 2021 at the age of 80 years old.
Ken is survived by the love of his life, Kathryn French Wemple, sons Keith Wemple (Diana Wood Wemple) and Kyle Wemple (Anna Wemple); Grandchildren Ryan Chase Wemple (Jody), Reg Winchester Wemple (Bobbie), Cash Leo Wemple (Sydney), Kattie Marie Wemple (Casey Awbrey), and Artem, Abigail & Alia Bgatov; Great Grandchildren Levi Kenneth Wemple, Lexie Joy Wemple and Layne Florence Wemple and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his beloved daughter Kristine Ellen Wemple, father Don Wemple, mother Gay (Corder) Wemple and sister Donna Gay (Wemple) McClelland.
Ken was born in Susanville, California on September 19, 1940 and was raised on the Wemple family Ranch in Milford, Ca. Growing up, he was very active in High School sports, including field and track, basketball and football. He was also involved in 4-H and FFA, raising beef project cattle throughout his school years and later becoming a 4-H horse leader.
Ken and Kathryn were married on August 12th, 1961 in Reno, NV. Over the next nearly 60 years, Ken & Kathryn took great pride raising their family in Milford on the Wemple Ranch, where there was always an abundance of work, laughter, sarcasm and love to be found. Ken was an excellent horseman and always made sure good horses were underneath his family. Even with all the responsibilities of the ranch, he always made time for some weekend travel and could be found in rodeo and roping arenas alongside his family and friends. He was a member of the CCA and ACTRA and always made the time to haul his kids and grandkids to their Jr. and High School rodeos.
Ken served as a school board member with his first board position being at the Milford Schoolhouse where he replaced his uncle, Glen Wemple. The Milford School closed and was moved to Janesville Union School where he continued serving the community as a board member from 1969 to 1992 (22 ½ years). He also served as a representative on the Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service for 10 years.
Ken was beloved by many. His quick wit and strong work ethic were only matched by his love for his family and friends and cowboy traditions.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 26th at 11:30 am at the Wemple Ranch/Wemple’s Pumpkin Patch in Milford. Pastor Tony Loubet will officiate. A luncheon will be provided and if you would like to bring a dessert, that is welcomed and appreciated but not required. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Ken Wemple’s memory or to a charity of your choosing.
