Herman R. Kenning

Herman Richard Kenning was born to Flora Carrico Kenning and George Kenning, Sr. on a farm southwest of Steele City, Nebraska on March 13, 1925. He passed away on January 7, 2016 at the Heritage Care Center in Fairbury, Nebraska.

Herman was the youngest of four children. Herman was raised by his grandparents Perry and Alice Carrico, because his mother passed away when he was a toddler. He attended grade school at Rocky Hollow District #3. He graduated from Steele City High School.

Herman farmed his entire life, but also worked for area farmers, Endicott Clay Products, OK Tire, Jefferson County Auccessor, Roode’s Feedlot & Packing Company, and the Jefferson County Department of Roads.

Herman was baptized and confirmed May 13, 1951 by Rev. Arhens at the Steele City Presbyterian Church. He was a lifetime member of the Steele City Church and served as a Trustee, Elder and on various church committees.

On November 15, 1953 he married Dorothy Schoenrock of Fairbury at the East Gladstone Church. This fall the married couple celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. To this union was 3 children, Dennis, Marlene, and Diane.

Herman was very active in the community and was a founding member of the Steele City Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Steele City-Endicott Rural Fire Board. He was a proud member of the Oregon Trail Saddle Dusters Saddle Club, and participated in many horse shows. He rode in the Nebraska Centennial Parade in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Pony Express Re-ride and the Rock Creek Station Reenactment. He served as the Endicott Livestock Club 4-H Leader. Herman was an excellent judge of cattle.

He was honored with the Ak-sar-ben Pioneer Family Award and is an honorary member of the Fairbury FFA Chapter.

During his life he enjoyed riding horses and horse shows, rodeo, raising cattle, deer hunting, tractor drives and parades, corn husking contests, square dancing, polka music, and attending the grandchildren's activities. Herman took a great deal of pride in his farm, Rocky Hollow Farm and enjoyed farming with his son and grandson.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy Schoenrock Kenning of Fairbury, son Dennis and wife Donna Kenning of Steele City, daughters Marlene and husband Gregg Buchli of Alexandria, and Diane Kenning of Fairbury. Grandchildren Dustin Kenning of Steele City, Dani and Husband Kegan Mitchell of Endicott, Michael and Dr. Trisha Rucker-Buchli of Bennett Colorado, and Jason Buchli of Alexandria, and his fiancee Ashley Jones of Lincoln. One Great Grandson, Draedyn Lichty-Kenning of Diller, sister-in-law Janis Kenning of Fairbury, nephews, niece and a host of friends.

Proceeded in death by parents, George Sr., and Flora Kenning, Brother George Jr. and wife Nina Kenning, Sisters Wilma and husband Elmer Janssen, Julia and husband Herman Janssen.

Herman will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, and father. He truly enjoyed time with his grandchildren, and great grandson. Herman always had a kind word for all and would help anyone.