Kenneth Way

A Memorial Service for Ken Way will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, rural Smithfield, Nebraska, with Pastor Jack Taylor officiating. An inurnment will follow at the Hope Cemetery with Military Honors.

The service will be livestreamed via Hope Lutheran Church's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/HopeLutheranChurchSmithfield

Kenneth Leroy "Ken" Way, 80, of rural Smithfield, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, at his home.  Ken was born at the family home in Smithfield, on September 25, 1944, the younger of two children born to Orien "Hank" and Vira Way.  He was baptized at the Methodist Church in Smithfield and later confirmed in 1977 at Hope Lutheran Church.  He attended Smithfield Public Schools through the 8th grade then attended and, graduated from Bertrand Community School, with the class of 1963.  Ken attended Milford and graduated with a Diesel Tech Degree and when to work for Caterpillar in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

On August 17, 1966, Ken was inducted into the United States Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey and served in Germany.  Ken was honorably discharged on July 28, 1968.

On December 11, 1977, he was united in marriage to Joyce Bunsen at Hope Lutheran Church. The union was blessed with two children:  Vanji and Dusty, and the family made their home in the Bertrand area.

Following his discharge from the service, Ken returned home and began working for Caterpillar in Grand Island, Nebraska, and Mid-Rives-Hock Electric, and then Bertrand Irrigation.  Ken then worked at Carl D. Hanson Farms and later retired from Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District, in 2007.

Ken loved hunting and fishing in his younger days, and collecting Browning guns, and restoring knifes.  His favorite past time was attending Garage Sales!  What the rest of us thought was "junk", Ken usually found a use for everything he bought.  He was an avid Nebraska Volleyball fan and rarely missed a game.  He was able to see the last game, then shut the T.V. off, saying, "They had a great season."

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Oman; in-laws:  Gene Bunsen; and Patricia (Bunsen) Lehman; and a brother-in-law, Steve Bunsen.

Survivors include, his wife of 47 years, Joyce Way of rural Smithfield; two children: Vanji Vosler and her husband, Shad of Bertrand; and Dusty Way and his wife, Casandra of Bertrand; four grandchildren: Landon and Payton Way; and Chase and Rylan Vosler; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janis Olesen and husband, Tom and of Smithfield; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members; and many friends.

There will not be a visitation, viewing or memorial book signing the evening prior to the service.  The family has honored his wish for cremation.

A memorial in Ken's honor will be directed to the Bertrand Fire & Rescue or the Bertrand Lion's Club.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.