In loving memory of our friend, Ken Gresh

On Sunday, June 25, 2023, we lost a dear, dear friend. If you knew Ken, you were better for it. He was full of joy, interesting stories, kindness, deep wisdom, and love for Jesus. He had the biggest heart and meant so much to so many people. He loved music, and you could always hear him singing louder than everyone else during worship. We are going to miss how he brightened up every space he was in, but we will keep his legacy alive through the songs we sing, the stories we tell, the times we serve, the conversations we have, the jokes we tell, and the love we show others. Thank you for being you, Ken, and for being an example of a life well lived. We will miss you deeply, but we celebrate that you are resting with Jesus. Below is Ken’s obituary. Please keep his family, friends, and all those who loved him in your prayers.

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Kenneth “Ken” P Gresh, 65, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania passed away on June 25, 2023, as he watched Mama Mia with the members of his family following a brief illness.  Ken was born August 28, 1957, in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania to Evelyn Kay (Lore) Roushey and Stanley Joseph Gresh.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his Stepfather, Walter Roushey and his first wife Donna (Ludwick).

He is survived by his spouse, Gieta (Hummel) and his children M Gresh, Glen Arm, MD; Wesleigh Gresh, Johnstown, PA; Anndrew “Anna” Gresh, Glen Arm, MD; and Frieden Gresh and his significant other Spades (McFarland), Greensboro, MD.

Ken began serving the church as an altar boy.  He graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School in 1975 and went on to graduate from Messiah College in 1979 earning a degree in Elementary Education.  He was a teacher until the time that his first wife passed away in 1990.  After his marriage to Gieta in 1991, he attended Bethany Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity.  He served the Church of the Brethren as an ordained minister.  His talents included drama, art, and music.  He enjoyed watching America’s Got Talent, musicals, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the Hallmark Channel.  He pretended to tolerate family game night, but we know that he secretly loved it.

In addition to portraying Santa Claus, Ken loved to share stories of his life. He told his stories with many people:  Medical professionals, clergy members, students, parishioners, toll booth operators, grocery clerks, and complete strangers (However, Ken never knew a stranger).  In place of a memorial service, the family requests that you give someone the gift of hearing their story.  A private service will be held at the convenience of the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Westmont Church of the Brethren, 2301 Sunshine Ave, Johnstown, PA 15905 (link here) or Caroline Pride, 114 Market Street, Suite 207, Denton, MD 21629.