The Superior Express -

Clay Center, Nebraska, resident Kenneth "Ken" Joseph Kalvoda, 77, died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings.

A Rosary was Tuesday, Sept. 19, at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel in Clay Center. Mass of Christian Burial was conducted at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Deweese with Father Denton Morris officiating. A time of fellowship followed the service at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Clay Center. The family welcomed guests on Tuesday, from 5 to 7 p.m., at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel in Clay Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Harvard, Clay Center Fire and Rescue, or the Clay Center Daycare.

Condolences may be left at http://www.mclaughlinchapel.com.

"Keep it simple." That's all Ken ever wanted. And he did just that by leading a simple life.

Kenneth Joseph Kalvoda was born in Hastings on Dec. 30, 1945, to Adolph and Amelia (Hubl) Kalvoda. He was raised on a farm near Spring Ranch attending Prairie Rose and Antioch elementary schools before attending Lawrence High School where he met his future bride, Judy (Brockman) Kalvoda.

Ken graduated high school in 1964 and immediately went to work for Werner Construction. Other than a stint with the National Guard in which he was enlisted from 1966 to 1971, he worked at Werner until retirement in 2018. Besides working for Werner, Ken was an active member of the Clay Center American Legion for more than 50 years and St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Harvard.

He was united in marriage to Judy on Jan. 17, 1966, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Lawrence, and settled in Clay Center, where they raised their children and resided until his death. Ken was known for his jolly nature and quick smile. He worked long hours but was present at his children' sporting events. NASCAR racing was his usual lazy Sunday activity. It was a good Sunday when Bill Elliott claimed the checkered flag.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Amelia Kalvoda; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norbert and Evelyn (Menke) Brockman; and brother-in-law, Marvin Brockman.

Ken is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy Kalvoda of Clay Center; children, Tammy Batterman of Clay Center; Kris Lewis of Lincoln; Mike and Stacey Kalvoda of Grand Island; Mark and Jen Kalvoda of Blair; son-in-law, Doug Lewis; grandchildren, Kyle and Amanda Knight; Cole Knight; Brandon Knight; Seth Lewis; Riley Lewis and Kylie DeBaets; Sam Lewis and Emma Schoepf; Olivia Kalvoda; Avery Kalvoda; Allison Kalvoda; Madison Kalvoda; Kennedy Kalvoda; and McKinley Kalvoda; great-grandchildren, Rhylan Knight; Skyler Knight; and Sutton Lewis; sisters and brothers-in-law, Norma and Dennis Mason of Marysville, Kansas; Irene and Arnie Mertens of Lincoln; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Virgil and Mary Lou Brockman; Pat and Rosie Brockman; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Ray Mazour of Blue Hill; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.