Kenneth Paul Unrath

Ken was born in Saginaw, MI, was raised in Decatur, IL, and obtained a BS degree in Zoology from Valparaiso University in 1956, where he met Ruth. They married in 1957, and after two years of military service in El Paso, Texas, Ken entered the field of pharmaceutical sales and research, joining Merck in 1962 for a 35-year career.

This brought him and his growing family to Ontario, CA, with sales responsibility over California and the western US region. His outgoing personality and attention to detail led to a promotion to Medical Research Associate (MRA), in which he developed relationships with doctors throughout his region to coordinate FDA drug approval studies. Later promoted to MRA region manager, he trained and led a new cohort of MRA’s, who later honored him at his retirement dinner for attending to their personal development as much as their professional responsibilities. Ken was as much a friend and confidant as he was a manager. He had a great sense of humor, loved a party, and would fuss over selecting a restaurant table that was “just right”.

Ken and Ruth raised their three children in the Christian faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverside, where Ken contributed to church leadership. He contributed a beautiful tenor voice as he and Ruth sang in the church choir for many years. He enjoyed gardening, had a green thumb with his beloved citrus and tomatoes, and fussed over roses so he could bring some inside for Ruth.

Ken’s passion was travel. He loved being behind the wheel of a car, leading the family on summer vacation pilgrimages to national parks and visits to their Midwest roots. Ken and Ruth spent many retirement years visiting family and touring Europe, the Holy Land, and their favorite place on earth, Hawaii. After returning from each trip, he would hop on the computer to plan the next.

Ken and Ruth valued style and refinement in clothing and household décor. At weddings they created captivating memories of the beauty of fine dancing, as they moved in graceful and fluid unity. The two became one. They were to celebrate their 70th anniversary this year and would never have wanted to be without each other.

Ken is survived by his children Gregg (Nora), Mark (Nancy), and Karen (Mike), six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren (plus two more imminent arrivals). He is preceded in death by grandson, Major Luke Unrath, who gave his life in service for his country.

A memorial service for both Ken and Ruth will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverside, CA on June 7th, 2026 at 2:00pm, with reception to follow in Graumann Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Luke Unrath Memorial Scholarship at give. All who were touched by this loving couple are welcome to honor their memory. They will be sorely missed here on earth, but in heaven Ken will be the life of the party, and Ruth will be spreading her love and care to all.