Date Posted: 2015-02-26

Kenneth E. Kjar, 65, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2015, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington. It was Ken’s wishes his body be donated to the Anatomical Board of the State of Nebraska - University Medical Center. Those wishes have been completed.

Ken was born October 7, 1949, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Carl J. and Leona (Gillen) Kjar. He attended school at Lexington and graduated from St. Ann’s Catholic High School with the class of 1967. He then went on to further his education at the University of Nebraska.

Ken was united in marriage to Wanda Phillips on August 16, 1970, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington. Three sons were born to this marriage; Brandon, Bradley and Brett. The marriage ended in divorce after 17 years.

Ken continued to farm the home place and would eventually move to Ainsworth, where he worked for the John Deere Dealership for 10 years.

A stroke forced him to return to Lexington, along with other health issues, and he spent his last six years at Plum Creek Healthcare Community. He had many interests throughout his life; most especially, his love for his sons and grandchildren.

He was a gifted athlete and played fast pitch softball as a younger man. He enjoyed watching his sons play sports as each one of them played for the UNK Loper football team.

Kenny was interested in all facets regarding WWII, and spent many hours reading and studying the subject.

He loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and watching John Wayne movies. We can never forget his love for his NY Yankees, Green Bay Packers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

He could spend countless hours visiting with anyone and was a wonderful story-teller. He had a sense of humor no one could match and a zest for life that was cut way too short.

Survivors include his sons; Brandon (Carrie) Kjar of Lexington, Nebraska, Bradley (Heidi) Kjar of Ankeny, Iowa, and Brett (Jessica) Kjar of Elkorn, Nebraska; brother, Dean (Pam) Kjar of Wood River, Nebraska; three sisters, Kathy (Dave) Hofferber of Lexington, Nebraska, Sherry (Terry) Christensen of Clifton, Colorado, and Jan (Bill) Jacquot of Loveland, Colorado; five grandchildren, Conlan, Toran, Kaleb, Cooper and Ruby; as well as extended family and many friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Rollie. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Father Jorge Canela and Sister Mary Ann Flax officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Heartland Military Museum.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.