Kenneth LeRoy Wellmann

Kenneth LeRoy Wellmann, 79, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington.

He was born on January 17, 1945, in Oconto, Nebraska, to Edward and Margaret (Schlote) Wellmann. He attended Pershing Elementary School in Lexington but missed most of his Kindergarten year due to being diagnosed with Polio at the age of 5. His doctors warned that he would never be able to walk, but with his mother's hard work and his determination and spirit, he was able to prove them wrong. The family went on to make their home in Oconto where he graduated from Oconto High School with the class of 1963. On May 1, 1965, Kenneth was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart who he met in 7th grade, Marie Hamar, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oconto, Nebraska. Three children were blessed into this union: Brian, Brent, and Beth.

Kenneth understood the value of working hard. Right out of high school, he began working for the Dawson County Hay Mill, then dedicated over 20 years to the Excel Packing Plants in Darr. He then transitioned to the State Roads Department for 22 years until his retirement in 2008. Kenneth was a member of the Plum Creekers, participating in rodeos and parades, and rode with the Pony Express. 

When Kenneth wasn't busy working, he was working on his hobbies which included camping, fishing, and hunting deer. He loved attending auctions and collected a great number of international tractors. His most beloved hobby, however, was farming. He enjoyed working on his farm with his wife, taking care of horses, chickens, and cattle. Kenneth was a family man and often spent his time with his children and grandchildren, playing 10-point pitch, and things could get pretty competitive. Kenneth adored dancing with his wife and always started the party with what he called a "catila" sunrise drink.

Those left to honor his memory is his beloved wife, Marie Wellmann of Lexington; children, Brian (Ramona) Wellmann of Gothenburg, Brent (Lisa) Wellmann of Cozad, and Beth (Ryan) Klootwyk of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Shad (Ryan) Wellmann of York, Nebraska, Shaley (Jared) Lienemann of Doniphan, Nebraska, Shania Wellmann of Englewood, Colorado, Kamden (Bailey) Wellmann of Gothenburg, Kerry (Kouper) Griffin of Kearney, Kasey (Trevor) Leverett of Sublette, Kansas, Sydney Klootwyk (fiancé Alec West) of Omaha, Owen Klootwyk and Ian Klootwyk, both of Omaha, Erika Smith of Kearney, and Emily Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Tenley Wellmann, and Heidi Lienemann; sister, Karon Walter of Oconto; sisters-in-law, Marge Wamser of Wheatridge, Colorado and Ruth Shiltz of WaKeeney, Kansas; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Jo Ann Devine of Kearney; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Besides his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother, Fredrick Wellmann, grandson, Ethan Wellmann, brothers-in-law, Richard Walter, Dwayne Hamar, Verne Hamar, Karl Wamser, William "Bill" Shiltz, and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Devine and Cindi Hamar.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Father Jose Chavez, officiating.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the March of Dimes, St. Ann's Catholic Church, Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, or Donor's Choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com