Kenneth Martin Kallstrom

Kenneth Martin Kallstrom, formerly of Aspen, passed away in Denver on Dec. 12. He was 85.

Ken was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 13, 1926 to Martin and Karin Kallstrom, originally of Sweden. Soon after Ken’s birth, the family moved back to Sweden where Ken was raised and attended school.

In 1946, Ken, who spoke Swedish, English, German and French, acquired U.S. citizenship and became a counter-intelligence officer in the U.S. Army.

After being honorably discharged in 1952, Ken moved to Aspen where he was a builder and a ski instructor with the Aspen Ski School for decades.

It was a different Aspen in those days. Ken bought a lot to build his home with a view of Aspen Mountain for $1,500 from Aspen architect and visionary Fritz Benedict. The deal was completed with a handshake, and the payments were made in installments, and paid in full.

He married Bette Philips Kallstrom, now deceased, in Aspen, and had a son, Erik. Bette and Ken later divorced.

In 1983, Ken moved to Denver, where he worked as a superintendent for commercial and residential projects. He retired and remained in Denver until his death. Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Sten Kallstrom, and Sten’s wife, Brigitta.

Ken is survived by his son, Erik Kallstrom of Glenwood Springs; granddaughter Elizabeth Kallstrom of Las Cruces, N.M.; nephews Kent (Monika) Kallstrom of Onsala, Sweden and their children; and Bo (Irene) Kallstrom of Aby, Sweden and their children; and a cousin, John Bjorn (Mary) Kallstrom of Lebanon, N.J.