Kenneth Otto Krei
COLERIDGE — Kenneth Otto Krei, 73, Coleridge, died Feb. 9, 2021, at the Hillcrest Care Center, Laurel, following a brief illness.
Funeral services were Feb. 12 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Coleridge, with Pastor Russ Lambert officiating. Burial was in the Lawn Ridge Cemetery. Visitation was Friday, at church, from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Face masks and social distancing were required for the funeral.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Coleridge.
Pallbearers were Nick McKim, Hunter McKim, Jeff Brown, Rob Brown, Andrew Krei, Carlin Krei and Michael Rischmueller.
Kenneth was born July 4, 1947, in Laurel, to Alvin A. and Helen P. (Hansen) Krei. He attended Coleridge High School and graduated in May 1965. Kenneth continued his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture July 15, 1969. In the 1970s, Kenneth purchased a farm southwest of Coleridge. Kenneth married Julie McKim Nov. 19, 1977, and the two of them made their first home in Belden, before moving to the farm. Kenneth built a home for them on the northwest corner of his quarter of land. He farmed his quarter and the quarter of land adjacent to his where his parents lived until he died. He was also the superintendent of construction for Farmland Industries for 14 years. Kenneth married Susan Hudler Brown Jan. 14, 2000, at Yankton, S.D. Susan died Feb. 13, 2016.
Kenneth had many hobbies throughout his life. He loved working with his hands and building things. He also enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and reading.
He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Coleridge, and was baptized and confirmed there.
Kenneth is survived by his step children, Nick McKim, Waverly; Dennis McKim; Beaverton, Ore.; Angie McKim, Lincoln; Rob and Jeana Brown, McKinney, Texas; Jeff and Sherri Brown, McKinney, Texas, Jennifer and Chris Knox, Rosebud, Texas; grandchildren, Bailey and Hunter McKim, Kaitlyn and Lillian Brown, Taylor Brown, Adrianna, Samuel, and Colin Cary; brother, Dennis (Lorene) Krei, Waverly; sister, Linda (William) Rischmueller, Wakefield; six nieces and nephews and several Krei/Hansen cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sue; and a step granddaughter, Kylie Brown.
