Kenneth E. Vannier

Kenneth E. Vannier Kearney Resident Kenneth E. Vannier, 90, of Kearney passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Hillcrest Firethorn Rehabilitation Facility in Lincoln. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Kearney. Pastors Rick and Michelle Carlson will officiate. Inurnment will take place following the service at the church columbarium with military honors provided by American Legion Post #52 and VFW Post #759 in conjunction with Nebraska National Guard Honors Team. Memorials are suggested to the First Lutheran Church of Kearney and the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Kenneth Edward Vannier was born on April 7, 1928 in Hildreth, Nebraska to Louis J. and Mary (Koehn) Vannier. He grew up in the Hildreth area, until moving to Kearney in 1941 and he has lived in Kearney ever since. Kenneth graduated from Longfellow High School with the class of 1946. Kenneth proudly served his country in the National Guard from 1947 and was a full-time employee until his retirement in 1988. Kenneth also worked for the Highway Department for over 8 years. Kenneth was united in marriage to Elnor Kiehl on June 19, 1948 in Kearney and to this union four children were born: Mary Lou, David, Denise and Jolene. Kenneth was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Kearney where he was a former council member and volunteered for the church in many different areas. He was also a member of Fort Kearney Area 2822 Eagles Club, the American Legion and the Color Guard. Kenneth was a past fire chief for the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department where he served for 27 years. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and camping. Left to cherish his memory are his son, David Vannier and spouse Kevin Marion of Plano, Texas; daughters, Denise D. Scott and her husband, Dennis of Kearney and Jolene A. Jelinek and her husband, Jay of Omaha; son-in-law, Donald Roth and wife, Jean of Lincoln; grandsons, Tim Roth and wife Sharleen of Lincoln, Nick Roth and wife Nicole of Lincoln, and Abraham Jelinek of Omaha; granddaughters, Amber Thygesen and husband Paul of Lincoln, Anndee Jelinek and Abbie Jelinek both of Omaha; four great grandchildren, Sarah, Jonathan, and Alivia Thygesen and Emma Lou Roth; along with many other relatives and many friends. Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Elnor Vannier; daughter, Mary Lou Roth; his parents; sister, Ann Clark and brother, Robert Vannier.

Kenneth E. Vannier

April 7, 1928 - January 29, 2019