Ken was born April 17, 1929, in rural Platte County, Nebraska, to Carl and Laura (Martensen) Gehring. Ken was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church-Grand Prairie Township. He attended Rural School District #72 through the 8th grade. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1947. Growing up on the family farm Ken enjoyed raising livestock, 4-H, and FFA. He served in the National Guard from 1950 to 1956. On August 30, 1953, Ken married Dorothy Barker at the Methodist Church in Silver Creek, Nebraska. They were blessed with 6 children, 13 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren and growing. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, a past member of St Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft, and Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont.
Ken loved people; he greeted everyone as a friend. He also enjoyed working with his hands which led him to various occupations including, working with concrete, a partnership in Gehring Construction, managing a hog operation, selling vet supplies, General Manager of Farmers Elevator in Bancroft, and in retirement he drove cars for local dealers.
When Ken was not working he enjoyed square dancing, woodworking, helping family members with projects, traveling, and socializing with friends and relatives. He was a member of Kiwanis, and in his retirement years he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Ken had a special bond with the group at YMCA who met for exercise and social time, and the numerous friends he met for coffee or lunch. The family wants to thank the community of Fremont who supported Ken, allowing him to stay in his home and connected to people well into his age of 92.
Ken is survived by his 6 children; Diane Bring of Lincoln, NE., Norman (Mary) of Scottsdale, AZ., Lloyd (Trish Nelson) of Iowa City, IA., Mark (Joli) of South Sioux City, NE., Craig (Connie) of Dakota Dunes, SD., and Donna (Jim) Browning of Bancroft, NE.; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; sister Claretta (Fred) Coffey, brothers Neal (Linda) Gehring and Loren (Joan) Gehring, sisters-in-law Margaret Gehring and Maxine Duracinski, brother-in-law Dale Barker; and many nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 60 years, Dorothy; sister Darlene Folkers, brother Clinton Gehring, brothers-in-law Ray Folkers and Whitey Duracinski, and sister-in-law Elaine Barker.
The funeral will be at 10:30 on November 29, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont. The service will be livestreamed at https://trinityfremont.com/live/
Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 PM November 28, 2021 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Family will be present during the visitation.
Memorials will be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church and Fremont YMCA.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(5)
ALLEN LIGHT
FREMONT, NE Thursday, November 25, 2021 Will and do miss him for our friendship morning coffees at the "Y". He was a strong part of the group and very much loved by all. God is lucky to have such a great man added to his table in HeavenLynn & Jeannine Moeller
Hooper, NE Wednesday, November 24, 2021 Our sympathy to all of Ken’s family. We got to know Ken a few years ago,as we would sit by him in church almost every Sunday. We always enjoyed seeing him and visiting-he was a kind ,caring man, and always interested in our welfare.We will miss him, but know he is now home with the Lord.
Thinking of you.
Cathy Spes Wetherell
Gladwin, MI Wednesday, November 24, 2021 My deepest sympathy Ken was a great person always had a smile on his face when I seen him.Gregg Kupfer
Omaha, NE Tuesday, November 23, 2021 To all the Gehrings: Your dad provided my father many hours of enjoyment over the last decade once a week when they met for "coffee." Great memories of Salem and growing up in the Clarmar neighborhood. Hope you all have had a good life. Much love-Gregg KupferDave and Kathy Jaspersen
Beattyville, KY Tuesday, November 23, 2021 We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord give you comfort.