| Kenneth Ruben Porath |
Kenneth Ruben Porath, 72, of Dannebrog, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Grand Island Regional Medical Center in Grand Island.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Dannebrog.
Pastor Sheri Lodel will be officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Dannebrog. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.
Kenneth Ruben Porath was born on July 4, 1953, to Ruben and Betty (Bonge) Porath. He grew up in Valentine and was baptized and confirmed into the Grace Lutheran Church in Valentine. He graduated from Valentine Rural High School in 1971. Kenny graduated from Milford Tech in Milford as a certified Diesel Technician. After working as a mechanic in Valentine, Casper, Wyoming, and Kearney, Kenny worked for Nebraska Truck Center in Grand Island for a few years and, after thirty-plus years, later retired from the Nebraska Department of Roads in 2021. One of his pride and joys was the shop he built behind his house. Everyone called it Ken’s Shop, where all were welcome, and it was known as the local gathering place and watering hole.
Kenny was united in marriage to Marna (Niemoth) Porath on March 26, 1983 in Grand Island. The couple lived outside of Phillips for five years and then moved to Dannebrog. Ken and Marna had a catering business for over fifteen years. Together, they enjoyed golfing, camping, fishing, and tending to their garden. Kenny was an avid hunter and fisherman teaching his nephews the ins and outs of each sport. Kenny absolutely loved NASCAR and Husker women’s volleyball.
Kenny was a Dannebrog volunteer firefighter and actively involved in the American Legion Auxiliary in Dannebrog. Every year, he was involved in numerous town events, including the pancake feed fundraiser, Grundlovsfest, and Junk Jaunt. For the annual Legion Halloween party, Kenny would make over 100 popcorn balls. He would make pecan rolls and dump cake for after Sunday church services. Everyone knew Kenny for his megawatt smile and good nature.
But most importantly, Ken’s greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren and niece, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and his two cats, Danny and Zeke.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Andrea (Rodney) Barton of Hastings; grandchildren, Brittany Campbell of Hastings and Jessalynn (Joe) Bennett of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Tayson and Stellan Campbell and Henry, Molly, and Boone Bennett; sister, Jeannette (Jerry) Sharp of Valentine; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vernelle and Steve Miles of Grand Island; nephews, Matt (Vanessa) Sharp of Pierce, Jeff (Sara) Sharp of Lincoln, and Bryan (Cassidy) Sharp of Bennington; niece, Michelle (Chris) Ober of Lincoln; nephews, Matt (Andrea) Miles of Grand Island and Mitch (Lindsey) Miles of Grand Island; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Marna; parents, Ruben and Betty Porath; and mother-inlaw and father-in-law, Vern and Inez Niemoth.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway. com.
The Phonograph-Herald | March 18, 2026