Dorothy Gertrude Schoenrock Kenning was born February 17, 1928, to Wilhelm & Gertrude (Bleich) Schoenrock on a farm 6 miles west of Fairbury Nebraska. She passed away at JCHL at the age of 98 years, after a brief illness.

Dorothy was baptized October 1928 at East Gladstone Church, where they spoke German. She was confirmed July 27, 1941, by Rev. Greeb at East Gladstone Church, along with 10 boys & 10 girls in her class. Her confirmation song was “Living for Jesus”.

Dorothy was united in marriage to Herman Kenning at East Gladstone Church on November 15, 1953. To this union 3 children were born; Dennis, Marlene & Diane.

Dorothy had a deep faith her entire life and was an active member of the Steele City Presbyterian Church. She served on several committees and baked pies for the flea market and taught Vacation Bible School.

Dorothy worked at Johnson Studio tinting picture, L & S Electric & Farmers Union Coop as a bookkeeper, Formfit Rogers and 20 years at Swingsters as a seamstress. Dorothy was active as a farm wife, raising chickens for processing & taking care of the pigs. She raised a huge garden with lots of potatoes & canned & froze the produce to feed her family. She also enjoyed flower gardening and was especially proud of her huge iris bed. Dorothy shared her flowers at church and on Memorial Day decorating graves.

Dorothy was a member of the Little Blue Belles Extension Club. Herman & Dorothy enjoyed Square Dancing with the Swingin Swingsters. They were also members of the Steele City Saddle Dusters Saddle Club. She was very creative and enjoyed crafts, using what was available. Dorthy & Herman learned to play Dulcimers and often hosted practices.

Dorothy was a nurturing mother, encouraging her kids to do their best. In a time when education wasn’t readily available for Diane, she would drive to Beatrice every day & wait in the car while she attended class. She was an avid supporter of 4H & attending all her kids, grandkids & great-grandkids activities.

She loved helping family members & friends who needed help. She always said her door was always open and enjoyed cooking for friends that showed up for dinner and always liked the laughter at the kitchen table.

Dorothy is survived by her children Dennis (Donna) Kenning of Steele City, Marlene (Gregg) Buchli of Alexandria and Diane of Fairbury, grandchildren Dustin Kenning (Kara Riggle), Dani Mitchell (Stephen Specht), Michael (Trisha) Buchli, Jason (Ashley) Buchli, great-grandchildren Draedyn Lichty-Kenning, Ibri Mitchell, Isaac Mitchell, Sophie Buchli, Caprice Buchli, Ava Buchli, Ella Buchli, Judson Buchli, Abel Buchli, bonus great-grandchildren Anthony, Dawson, Bentley, Easton and Knoxley Specht. She is also survived by sister-in-law Janis Kenning, niece Gailyn Strayer, nephews Kenneth Kenning & Bryce Huss and numerous Bleich and Schoenrock cousins.

Dorothy is preceded in death by husband Herman R. Kenning, parents Wilhelm & Gertrude Schoenrock, brothers Art & Louis Schoenrock, sister Elsie Huss, and nephew Robert Schoenrock.

The family will greet friends Thursday evening from 6 – 8 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury. Funeral Services will be Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Steele City Presbyterian Church, burial will be in the Fairbury Cemetery with a lunch following the burial at the Fairbury Presbyterian Church. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com