Kenneth George Gumke, 71, of Jamestown, ND, died Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home in Jamestown under the care of JRMC Hospice.

Ken was born March 18, 1955, in Gackle, ND, to Andrew and Alma (Elhard) Gumke. He grew up in the Chicago area until 1967, when the family relocated to Gackle following the death of his father. He graduated from Gackle High School in 1973.

Ken joined the U.S. Army in 1973 and was a distinguished graduate in automotive repair. He was honorably discharged in 1976 with the rank of SP4. After his military service, he attended NDSCS for TV and radio repair. Ken married Linda Meidinger in 1977; they later divorced.

Ken married Sharlene (Zenker) LaQua on July 21, 1995 in Jamestown, ND. They made their home in Jamestown, where they continued to reside. Ken worked in TV repair before joining Jamestown Communications, retiring in 2020 after more than 30 years with the company.

Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of Hillcrest Golf Course and served on its board of directors. He was also a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jamestown, where he sang in the choir and served on the church council. He was also a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Gackle, ND.

Ken is survived by his wife, Sharlene; his son, Brandon (Jenell) of Bismarck, ND; three stepchildren, Melissa (Ty) Shope of Mesa, AZ, Jeremy (Tiffany) LaQua of Dickinson, ND, and Amy (Tony) Batesole of Yuma, AZ; 10 grandchildren; two sisters, Carol Muller of Gackle, ND, and Donna Phillips of Jamestown, ND; and one brother, Wayne (Louanne) of Sparta, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Eddie Opp; and three sisters, Diane Walker, Peggy Gordon, and Judy Thomas.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to JRMC Hospice (CLICK HERE); Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Gackle (117 Spruce St W, Gackle, ND 58442), or St. John's Lutheran Church in Jamestown (424 1st Ave W, Jamestown, ND 58401).

Memorial Service: 10:30 AM Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, with Pastor Erik Weber, officiating.

Prayer Service: 7:00 PM Thursday, August 27, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jamestown, with visitation beginning at 6:00 PM.

Arrangements: Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.

Kenneth Gumke

August 17, 2026

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