Kenneth Mager

Kenneth Leslie Mager, age 73, of Harlowton, MT, passed away, surrounded by family, on December 12, 2023, in Billings, MT, of a cardiac arrest.

Kenny was born July 25, 1950, in the family home, along the tracks in Martinsdale, MT, to Tony and Joyce (Devereaux) Mager. Kenny attended school in Martinsdale until he started 7th grade, at which time the family moved to Harlowton, MT. Kenny graduated from Harlowton High School in 1968. After graduation, Kenny started a 20-year railroad career and lifelong love affair with the railroad. Kenny worked on gangs, then sections alongside his father, and moved into the roundhouse as a laborer, then serving his apprenticeship until attaining journeyman electrician status.

Kenny worked for the Milwaukee Railroad in Harlowton from 1968 until its closure in 1980, followed by the Burlington Northern Railroad in Livingston, MT, Alliance, NE, Glendive, MT, back to Alliance, NE, until 1988, at which time he was disabled due to an injury.

On July 28, 1973, Kenny married Barbara (Bennett) Mager in Harlowton, MT. They added to their family a daughter, Danielle, in 1976, along with a son, Aaron, in 1979. Kenny enjoyed hunting in the mountains with his father, brothers, uncles, cousins, as well as his son. Kenny had a deep love for his family, enjoying trips to the mountains as often as he could. Kenny loved following all the grandchildren's activities, from school programs to extracurricular activities. He followed each, attending the basketball games and never missed an opportunity to watch Landon's and Aiden's football games. Kenny was Mr. Fix-It; there wasn't anything he couldn't fix. This is something he proudly passed on to his grandchildren. Kenny enjoyed having morning coffee with his brother Larry and sister-in-law Tamara; he never missed many days.

Kenny participated in the Harlowton Milwaukee Depot Museum for many years, serving as president for much of that time, active until his time of passing. Kenny's love of railroading was evident with the many volunteer hours he donated and all he did to maintain and improve the museum.

Kenny's sense of humor, kindness, and devotion are qualities that made him appreciated by so many.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Jeanette and Karen, brother Roger, and his stepmother, Alice Bennett Mager. Kenny is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara, of the family home in Harlowton; daughter, Danielle, Harlowton; son, Aaron (Mariah), Harlowton; granddaughters Jasmine, Kieryn, Jayda, McKenzy, and Breanna; grandsons Landon, Aiden, and Trent; brother Larry (Tamara); brother-in-law Darold (Eileen) Bennett; brother-in-law Dale (Virginia) Bennett; brother-in-law Greg (Mel) Bennett; brother-in-law Charley (Sharon) Bennett; sister-in-law Cindy Freeman (Carl); sister-in-law Terri Haskins; and numerous nieces and nephews. Last, but not least, Gus, the inherited faithful dog who meant so much to Kenny.

Memorials are suggested to the Harlowton Milwaukee Depot Museum at PO Box 144, Harlowton, MT 59036.