LaVern F. Krenke

LaVern Frederick William Krenke, 96 of Kearney passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Brookestone Gardens in Kearney. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Kearney with Rev. Dr. Michelle Holley Carlson and Rev. Dr. Rick Carlson officiating. Interment will follow at Kearney Cemetery with military honors provided by the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. LaVern was born May 22, 1929 to Theodore and Mathilda (Schmidt) Krenke in Hebron, NE. He was baptized June 2, 1929 and confirmed June 6, 1943. He grew up in the Friedensau area attending Trinity Lutheran School. LaVern farmed with his father and brother Ralph. He served six years in the Nebraska National Guard from 1950-1956. LaVern married Lorene Ruth Bodtke on September 20, 1953 in Hebron, NE and they began 35 years on the family farm. The couple was blessed with one son, Alan and two daughters, Juleen and Barb. LaVern was a good steward of the soil and built many terraces and waterways and proudly served on the NRD Board. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron, NE where he served on the church council, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. He was a boy scout leader and enjoyed hunting and playing golf. LaVern and his wife moved to Kearney, NE in 1988 and he worked for Marshall Engines until he retired in 1994. He enjoyed woodworking and made many beautiful pieces of furniture. He loved spending time with his family and traveling to the mountains, especially Estes Park, CO. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lorene; son, Alan (Linda) Krenke of Hartland, WI; daughters, Juleen (Steven) Arehart of Wilcox, NE, and Barbara (Steve) Gurnett of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Adam ( Rachal) Krenke of Hartland, WI, Alex (Sara) Krenke of Delafield, WI, Aaron (Elaine) Arehart of Kearney, NE, Nathan Arehart (fiancé Amanda) of Kearney, NE, Rachel Arehart of Fort Collins, CO, Sarah Arehart of Hastings, NE, Cory Gurnett of Fort Collins, CO, and Katelyn Gurnett of Houston, TX; six great grandchildren, Grey Krenke, Henry and Levi Arehart, and Anna, Peter, Margaret Krenke; as well as many special nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ralph (Mary) Krenke, and Wayne (Jeanette) Krenke; one brother-in-law, Marvin (Lois) Bodtke.

LaVern F. Krenke

May 22, 1929 - April 23, 2026