The Superior Express -

Always in our hearts

Kenneth Gerhard Kirchner, age 93, died at Blue Hill Care Center on July 30, 2021 after a short illness. He was surrounded by his family as he walked into eternity with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kenneth was born on his family farm south of Lawrence, Neb., on Jan. 30, 1928. His parents were John and Clara Kirchner, who made the farmstead home for eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings (Eleanora, Walter, Lydia, Wilfred, Robert, Donald and Mildred).

Ken graduated from Lawrence High School in 1945. He took over the family farm at age 19 because of his father's early death. He applied himself to his farm duties and was content raising his family with Mom and serving his church and local community. Ken served and attended Calvary Lutheran Church in Rosemont.

On Nov. 2, 1952, Kenneth married Margaret Dorothy Heineman and shared many adventures over the next 65 years. They raised seven children: Marvin (Carol) Kirchner – Kevin, Scott and Lisa; Wilbur (Patricia) Kirchner – Rebecca, Matthew, Rachel and Hannah; Connie (Courtney) Meyer – Caleb, Joshua and Anna; nephew Randall (Cindy) Linke – Misty, Mandy and Randall; Linda (Kyle) Hollman – Nora and Trent, James (Jackie) Kirchner – Joseph, Jami and Tara; and Beth (Scott) Bowman – Christine, Nathan and nieces Abigail and Olivia. Over the years Ken and Margaret delighted watching their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren (14), and one great-great-grandchild begin their own adventures in life, which was "icing on the cake" of lives well lived!

Kenneth had broad interests. He was a dreamer and a doer - widely read in Christian and world history, economics, politics, technology, poetry, philosophy and farming. He was opinionated and vocal but liked the polemic (discourse) as much as the politics. You could pick the topic and the position, and he would debate the other side. He was a "go to" guy in the community for many construction-trade skills as well as general wisdom.

Ken was a servant leader. He was Sunday School superintendent in his church for more than 25 years, representative to national church conventions, taught shop skills in 4-H, served on the local school board for 12 years, served on the Rural Electric Association BOD for 28 yearsdid the dishes and was always a ready hand to help neighbors. He was Mom's primary care giver during her illness until her death in 2018.

Dad loved Jesus but wouldn't say it that way. He led his family as a Godly father - baptized and confirmed, disciplined and encouraged, cheered and celebrated, sacrificed and supported. Family devotions were never missed. He rarely said "I love you" which is just "not the German way." He occasionally said, "I'm proud of you," but showed it much more frequently in other ways bragging effusively about his children when they were not within ear shot. He brightened when any of his children or grandchildren called and was an encourager as they faced life's challenges.

Ken blessed his family. Love was unconditional, encouragement genuine and timely, and wise counsel available whenever needed. He will be sorely missed by his children and grandchildren, extended family and many, many friends. He was at peace as his final days approached and believed with all his heart Jesus' words to Martha in John 11: 25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (NIV)

His funeral will be held 10 a.m., Saturday Aug. 7, 2021 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rosemont, Neb. Interment will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery near the intersection of Rd 2400 and Rd S in Webster County. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday at Merten-Butler Funeral Home in Blue Hill, Nebraska.

The family requests you bring or send a card with a special memory of Ken, rather than flowers. Donations may be made in Ken's honor to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. Private condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.mertenbutlermort uary.com. Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, is in charge of arrangements.