Kenneth Ray Andersen, 69, of Hemingford, Nebraska passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at his home. He was born March 24, 1952 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Murl and Beulah (Thompsen) Andersen and enjoyed a very lively & happy childhood in Palmyra, Nebraska. Ken graduated from Palmyra High in 1970 and from Denver Diesel & Automotive in 1971.
On August 6, 1971 he was united in marriage to his “Kathleen” Marie (Kathey) Swink at St. John’s Catholic Church in Lincoln; and, to that union two amazing children were born, Melisa Dawn & Ryan Lance.
Ken was a master mechanic, who owned & operated Ken's East Campus 66 in Lincoln for 25 years, sponsoring Ken's East Campus 66 Men's Softball Team for many of them. He was a devoted member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church for 30 years, serving as acolyte & Men's Club President and, in addition to his immediate & extended family; he was blessed with his neighborhood “Colfax Circle Family”...and a multitude of dear friends!
He and Kathey moved to Hemingford in 2006 to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law and 3 awesome grandchildren. At that time he became an active member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church, began his 12-year machinist career w/ BNSF RR, and, soon after, joined the newly established “Men's Power Hour”... adding many more to his beloved “family”!
Ken enjoyed reading, woodworking & writing songs/poems; and, was an avid gardener & chef...he so loved working & playing outdoors and cooking for family & friends. He enjoyed softball until his body started yelling at him...then he turned to golf; and, when the weather did not allow for that, he spent time in his shop creating & repairing special items for his family & friends.
He had many hobbies & interests, but the one that trumped them all was spending time with family & friends...especially supporting & promoting his children & grandchildren and attending their many sports & activities.
Ken was THE BEST husband, dad & grandpa...our ROCK...always leading our family by his faith-filled, quiet, laid-back, loving, kind, generous and fun-filled ornery ways, with such confidence in God, himself & others, creativity, wisdom, common sense...and a wonderful sense of humor!
Ken is survived by his wife, Kathey; his daughter and her husband, Melisa and Todd Turek of Hemingford his son, Ryan Andersen of Fort Lauderdale, FL; his grandchildren, Alysen Kay Turek, Rick James Turek and Darin Ryan Turek of Hemingford; his brother, Thomas (Luana) Andersen of Lincoln; brother-in-law, James Swink of Glasco, KS; sisters-in-law, Mary Andersen (Bob Peterson) of Wilbur and Pam Harding of Wymore and many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents & grandparents, his brother, Duane, parents-in-law, Ed & Vivian Swink, brother-in-law, Jerome Swink, niece, Gabrielle Swink and many other precious family members & friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at 10:00 am. at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Hemingford. Father Tim Stoner will officiate. Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery. A wake service will be Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 7:00 pm. at the church.
Memorials may be given to the family for distribution to special charities or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.