May 23, 1939 ~ November 30, 2023 Kenneth Eugene Kuehner

Kenneth Eugene Kuehner Sr, 84, of Marquette, passed away at home surrounded by his family on November 30, 2023. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Heartland Evangelical Free Church in Central City. Visitation was on Sunday, December 3, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Solt-Wagner Funeral Home, Central City. Interment was at Phillips Cemetery, Phillips on Monday at 3:00 p.m. Donations are suggested to Phillips Cemetery, Sportsman’s Gun Club, or a future memorial. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.

Ken was born May 23, 1939, in Doniphan, Nebraska, to Oscar W. and Leona Kuehner. His father was killed in a farm accident when he was three years old, and his mother passed away from cancer when he was five years old. In his early years, he was raised on the farm by his aunt and uncle, Ernest and Marie Kuehner. Later, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Frank and Leona Peterson. He attended Districts 19 and 32 and, at 16, graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1956.

At 17, Ken joined the United States Navy as a Kitty Cruiser. He served aboard a destroyer escort, the USS Howard D. Crow, as Engineman 2nd class.

While stationed in Galveston, TX, he met the love of his life, Robbie. Ken and Robbie married in Galveston, TX, on April 30, 1960. They made their first home in Galveston, eventually moving to Pasadena, TX, and moved the family home to Nebraska in 1975.

The couple had three children: Kenneth Jr, Janet, and Donna. Ken’s natural talent for solving problems made him a successful technician for Sears. After retiring from Sears, he co-owned and managed Home Care and Companions with his wife, Robbie. In 2010, Ken and Robbie left the business to pursue a lifelong dream, traveling to Alaska and wintering at Trophy Gardens, Alamo, TX.

Ken had a talent for fixing, building, or inventing things. As a young father, he put all his efforts into providing the best life for his family. “Buy used, fix it up, and never call the man” was his motto. After the kids were grown and with Robbie’s persuasion, he began exploring interests of his own: barbequing and cooking, trapshooting, car restoration, stained glass, and wood carving. He never kept his talents to himself, sharing tools and tips and helping teach others new to the craft.

Ken was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Island. After moving to Central City, he worshipped at Grace Lutheran Church and Heartland Evangelical Church.

Ken will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar W. and Leona Kuehner; Margie (Melvin) Beck; brother, Jerry (Marg) Kuehner; Ernest and Marie Kuehner and Frank and Leona Peterson and is survived by his wife of 63 years, Robbie, son Kenneth (Becky) Kuehner Jr., daughter Janet (Troy) Cordle, and daughter Donna (Dan) Kruse. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Perry (Elizabeth) Schutz; Kaitlin (Neil) Hahn; Jessica (Mia) Stratton; Levi (Jordan) Schutz; Kaycee (Nick) Kuehner; Madeline (Kyle) Schutz and Cole Kruse.