Kenneth L. Marquardt

In Loving Memory of "Pickleball Ken"

Kenneth Leonard "Pickleball Ken" Marquardt passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He simply fell asleep and quietly took his final breath, just as gently as he lived his life. 

Born on May 13, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Laura and Karlton Marquardt, Ken's early years were marked by both resilience and hope. He was an only child, though two sisters preceded him in passing at birth, and he lost his father in an airplane crash at the age of eight-experiences that shaped his strength, his compassion, and his lifelong devotion to family. 

Ken grew up in Topeka, Kansas, where he attended school and later studied at Washburn University for a year. He began his career at the Topeka Daily Newspaper before moving to Colorado in 1963 to work for the Denver Newspaper. By the 1970s, Ken discovered what would become his true professional passion: bartering, trading, and entrepreneurship. He was a master dealmaker with an eye for value and possibility-ultimately trading his way to the dream home he shared with his beloved wife, Sharon. For more than 15 years, his personalized license plate “PB Ken” became a familiar sight around town. 

On November 25, 1961, Ken married the love if his life, Sharon, in Topeka, Kansas. Soon after, the newlyweds moved to Colorado Springs, drawn by the mountains, the sunshine, and the spirit of the state they would proudly call home for the rest of their lives. 

Ken’s passion for pickleball became a defining part of who he was. Known far and wide as “Pickleball Ken”, he brought people together through the sport-locally, nationally, and even internationally. His energy, creativity, and genuine kindness helped build communities, spark friendships, and inspire players of all ages. It seems only fitting to imagine him now organizing heavenly pickleball programs with the same enthusiasm he shared on Earth. 

He also poured his heart into guiding young people, serving as a youth coordinator for the AWANA program, where he shaped lives with patience, encouragement, and faith. 

Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Sharon; his two sons, Dan and Darren, grandchildren and countless friends, fellow pickleballers, and community member who will forever miss his generosity, wit, and joyful spirit. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:30AM at Arvada Covenant Church, where all who knew Ken as invited to gather, remember, and celebrate the extraordinary man who enriched so many lives. 

Ken leaves behind a legacy of kindness, connection, and love- and a community that is forever grateful to have known him.