Died Wednesday August 14, 2019 at home.
Ken was born February 9, 1939 on a farm near Uehling to Harold and Grace 'Wagner' Thernes. He was raised on the family farm near Hooper, attended rural schools and graduated from Hooper High School in 1956. After high school he worked in Fremont at a grocery store before going back to Hooper to open his own grocery store. He married Berniece Kriete on April 9, 1961 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They lived southwest of Hooper until moving into Hooper in the mid 1960's. The couple continued to operate the grocery store in Hooper for a short time. Ken then worked various jobs, including clerk for the city of Hooper. He also worked for the post office for nearly 40 years before retiring as Post Master.
Ken was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving on many of the church committees. He had been a member of the commercial club, Hooper Volunteer Fire and Rescue, and the Elkhorn Valley Golf Club. Ken loved to play cards at the VFW in Hooper and could be seen driving his golf cart all over Hooper.
Survivors:
Wife Berniece of Hooper
Children Becky (Steve) Hotovy of Fremont
Kevin (Sharla Kurz) Thernes of Omaha
Wendy Evertson of Sidney
Grandchildren Carissa (John) Evans of Milwaukee, and their children Eleanor and Hudson
Connor Hotovy of Fremont
McKenna Hotovy of Lincoln
Aaron and Henry Thernes of Omaha
Jacob and Julia Evertson of Lincoln
Sisters Marjorie (Arlen) Gnuse of Fremont
Julene (Larry) Karloff of Yutan
Janice Bopp of Hooper
Brothers-in-law LeRoy (Gloria) Kriete of Hooper
John (Donna) Kriete of Hooper
Paul (Cory) Kriete of Hooper
Sister-in-law Sharon Thernes of Hooper
Ken was preceded in death by his brothers LeRoy and Louis, brother-in-law Willis Bopp and nephew Danny Thernes.
The funeral will be 10am Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. Burial will follow in the Hooper Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Redeemer Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Friday from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm also at the church.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
Condolences(9)
Joan (Boll) Dyke
Greeley, CO Sunday, August 18, 2019 Berniece and family. I am saddened by the news about Kenny. My sincerest condolences at this difficult time.Dennis Low
Duncannon, PA Saturday, August 17, 2019 You have our sympathies regarding Kenny's passing. He was such a joy to be around, always picking on me, my brother and sisters. We all enjoyed coming up to Fremont for family reunions and talking to everyone. He will be sorely missed. Kenny will always be in our hearts and live in our memories. Take care and God bless.Nancy Heller
Lincoln, NE Friday, August 16, 2019 Berniece and family. My sincere sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. I pray God will surround you all with HIs Peace and Comfort now and in the days ahead. God Bless you.meyer Gene L.
Sun City West, AZ Thursday, August 15, 2019 I am sorry for your loss, Ken was a great neighbor and I really missed his talks after I moved. Sincerely, Gene L. Meyer and Kirsten TaylorJay Dickinson
Lodgepole, NE Thursday, August 15, 2019 I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Ken. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.Nona Wiese
Scribner, NE Thursday, August 15, 2019 So sorry to hear of your loss.Nona Wiese
Scribner, NE Thursday, August 15, 2019 My sincere condolences.Connie Rokusek
Oakland, NE Thursday, August 15, 2019 Becky and family,So sorry to read of the loss of your dad. Will keep you in thoughts and prayers.
Connie (Moeller) Rokusek and family
Dee Wagner
Fremont, NE Wednesday, August 14, 2019 We are so sorry to hear of your loss of dear Kenny. We are so glad we could see him at the fair. We will be out of town but our prayers will be with you during this difficult time. Virg and Dee