Ken was born on July 12, 1933 at the Picotte Memorial Hospital in Walthill, NE, the son of William and Alice (Einemann) Hartwig. In 1950 he graduated from Walthill High School. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Army and served in Korea. On October 21, 1956, he was united in marriage to Vivian Pieper. To this union four children were born: Katherine, Sheryl, Christine and William. In the early 1970s, Ken became owner operator of the garbage business in Pender. He also drove the school bus, worked as a janitor at the Pender High School and was an associate realtor with NE Nebraska Realty. The family moved into their current residence in 1978.

Ken was a collector of many things. He enjoyed fishing, morel mushroom hunting, attending auctions and old cars. He was a member of the Pender V.F.W, the American Legion, serving as Commander, President of the Nebraska Token Club, member of the Classic Car Club of Onawa and a lifelong member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. What he enjoyed most was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.