Kenneth Alan Lassche

Kenneth Alan Lassche, affectionately known as “Papa,” passed away unexpectedly, at home, in Magna, Utah, on July 3, 2025. He was 64 years old. Born on October 28, 1960, Ken lived a life rooted in grit, love, and laughter. A proud tinkerer, gardener, hunter, fisher, and storyteller, he was the kind of man who could fix just about anything—cars, hearts, you name it. He may not have been our dad by blood, but he showed up in every way that mattered. He loved without conditions and claimed us without hesitation. For his grandkids, he was, and always will be, Papa. Papa Ken was happiest with dirt under his nails and a Mountain Dew in hand. He didn’t just grow food; he grew it with purpose. Strawberries, peppers, squash, cucumbers, watermelon, and even specific types of lettuce were grown not for himself, but for his daughter’s two tortoises, because even the family pets deserved love, Papa-style. You could spot Papa Ken from a mile away… usually in a baseball cap and one of his many, many flannels. Seriously, the man had enough flannels to last nine months without a repeat. And his t-shirts had to have a pocket (for his cigarettes, of course). His glasses were forever getting lost or broken under car hoods, and his dog Lucy loved licking the empty Mountain Dew bottles she’d find around the house. He had a knack for storytelling. If you gave him your ear, he’d talk for hours, and if you had somewhere to be, well… you probably weren’t getting there on time. But somehow, every word was worth it. He was a man who showed up. If one of his kids needed something, they called him first. And if he didn’t know how to fix it? He’d figure it out, then call you while you were at work to walk you through the steps even though you were nowhere near what needed fixin’. He built the arch for his daughter’s wedding; burnt the wood, made it collapsible, and beautiful, and proudly walked her down the aisle alongside her biological dad. He always made a second bowl of macaroni salad without onions for her because he knew her picky self would be limited on things to eat. He was a man of action and presence, one who knew that love is what you do more than what you say. Papa Ken is survived by his parents, George & Patsy Lassche and Anna May Mills; his siblings, Kevin & Caroline (spouse), Beverly, Sherry & Alan (spouse), Georgina & Steve (spouse), Valerie & Charles (spouse), and Steven & Gretchen (spouse). He often told his dad, “I gotta get home to see my grandkids!”—and he meant it every time. He leaves behind his lifelong partner and best friend, Trudy Lynn Bryant, along with the children he loved and raised as his own: James & Laura (Spouse), Misty & Derek (Spouse), Cody & Karen (Friend), Joey, Tara, Sebastian & MaKenzie (Spouse), Heather & Corey (Spouse), & Kevin Young. His beloved grandchildren: Victoria, Devin, Christian, Penny, Tyler, Gaege & Sierra (fiancé), Alicia, Kailee, Kaizin, Little Cody, Camila, McKenzi, Khylur, Rylee, Megan “Destiny” & Chris (boyfriend), Kayla, Lynsi “Summer,” Isaac “Hunter,” Peyton, Casey, Damian, Zoie, Ryker, Marley, Preston, Zakya, Kevin, Parker, Crystal, and Kailani. His great-grandchildren: Baby Adam (Gaege & Sierra), Augustine and one more bundle of joy on the way (Megan & Chris), plus four more beautiful blessings—three from Casey and one from Zoie. Papa Ken now reunites with his son, Kristopher Allen Lassche, and his siblings Buddy, Loraine, and Sheila, who preceded him in death. 🪵 Celebration of Life A Celebration of Life will be held on August 16, 2025. 📍 Pleasant Green Park 3250 S 8400 W Magna, UT 84044 ⏰ 1:00 pm (MST) In honor of Papa, guests are encouraged to wear something plaid, flannel, or even a pocket tee, because nothing says “Papa Ken” like being comfortable, cozy, and ready to fix somethin’! 💬 Papa-isms We’ll Never Forget o His obsession with Fords — he’d proudly defend them like a badge of honor, even when his granddaughter Alicia teased him by saying, “Fords are ass!” That playful argument never got old. o The “Fishy Song” (sung with zero shame): Fishy, Fishy, in the brook, Come and bite my fucking hook! o “Want me to whoop your what!?” o “You’re a pain in my What!” o “Who’s the meanest, rottenest grandpa you know?” o And of course, fists up and grinning: “You wanna fight?” — which was really just code for “Come give Papa a hug.” His love for his Trudy was so genuine and real. He spent 28 years loving the hell out of her. He made sure to take care of her every single day; texting her each night to ask what she wanted for dinner, then cooking it so she didn’t have to lift a finger. He’d cut her sandwiches into four perfect squares, just how she liked them. He adored her. He never let his emotions get in the way of how he showed up for her. His love was steady, quiet, and deep… and we know that love will keep shining down on her from above. Papa Ken was the kind of man who’d give you the shirt off his back, the tools from his toolbox, and the stories to carry with you forever. He was equal parts tough and tender. We miss him terribly… but we know he’s up there now, flannel on, huntin’ and fishin’ with his son, Kris, Lucy nearby, his grand-dog, Tater Tot, sitting on his lap, sipping a Mountain Dew and keeping watch over all of us. Rest easy, Papa. Until next time.

Kenneth Alan Lassche

October 28, 1960 - July 3, 2025