Printz, Kenneth

Kenneth Raymond Printz, 76, of Scenic, Arizona, passed peacefully on March 17, 2026, from complications of Parkinson's disease related to dioxin exposure.

Ken was born May 11, 1949, in Hamilton, Montana, to Royal and Eva Printz. He was raised on Daly Avenue, where he spent his childhood exploring the countryside and developing a deep sense of independence. From an early age, he loved motorcycles and earned his first bike at age 15 by saving money from delivering newspapers and working odd jobs, reflecting the work ethic that would define his life.

He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1967, leaving behind a bit of legend by riding his motorcycle through the halls.

In December 1967, Ken enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam. He completed two tours with the 192nd Assault Helicopter Company in Phan Thiet and was honorably discharged in August 1969. He carried both the pride and the weight of his service throughout his life.

On June 14, 1980, he married Sharon Hasenkamp in Hamilton, Montana. They shared 46 years together and raised two daughters, Nicole and Shelby.

Ken worked as a long-haul truck driver for 50 years, logging more than five million miles across the United States and Canada. The open road suited him, steady, determined, and always moving forward.

He was a storyteller who could strike up a conversation anywhere and leave people better for it. Over the years, he met countless individuals and made lasting impressions through his stories, humor, and perspective.

At home, he was rarely still, always building, fixing, and improving, a way of life he held onto until the disease began to take hold. In his final years, he fought hard against its effects, pushing through the dizziness, exhaustion, and daily toll it took on him. He tried to outwork it, as he had everything else in his life, and gave it everything he had until he simply could not anymore.

If something could be made better, he would find a way. Through his example, he taught his daughters what hard work looked like and reminded them of practical lessons he valued, including the importance of good tires on every vehicle.

Ken stood firm in his beliefs. He did not bend with the wind and stood for what he believed was right. He carried that conviction with confidence and lived as a patriot, a conservative, and a rebel with a cause.

He enjoyed motorcycles, woodworking, and leatherwork, crafts that reflected both his creativity and hands-on nature.

Ken was a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association and became an Endowment Member. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the 192nd Assault Helicopter Company Association.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon of Scenic, Arizona; daughters, Nicole (Dan) Hicks of Bicknell, Utah, and Shelby Goodman of Arvada, Colorado; grandchildren, Riley, Reagan, Gavin, and Ruby Hicks, and Zeyva, Ronin, and Ophelia Goodman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Royal and Eva Printz; his sister, Sandi Clarkson; and his infant brother, Merrill's twin.

Ken was not ready to leave this world, but he left a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Interment will take place at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula on June 15, 2026.

A reception will follow the service at 575 Country Club Ln, Hamilton, MT 59840. This will be a potluck.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Rifle Association.