Mr Kenneth L. Fegley

October 27, 1916 - January 7, 2014

Kenneth Lealand Fegley was born October 27, 1916, the second of five children, to Lynn and Lucy (Childs) Fegley near Norden, Nebraska. He passed away January 7, 2014, at Rapid City Regional Hospital, Rapid City, SD. Kenneth acquired his education through schools in Keya Paha County. As a young boy, he helped his dad with farming and ranching near Norden and Springview, Nebraska, and then at the Fegley ranch south of Ainsworth, Nebraska. He also spent some time working in Wayne, Nebraska as a farm hand. He helped build the army barracks near Johnstown, Nebraska, during World War II, before being called to service in January, 1943. While at Camp Cook, California, his knee was badly broken and he spent several months in the army hospital at Palm Springs, California, until his honorable discharge and disability. He always respected his country and he never missed a chance to vote, and became a lifetime member of the American Legion. He and his sweetheart, Berdena I. McConnell, were married April 29, 1944, at the Methodist Church in Ainsworth. They purchased the Fegley ranch 15 miles south of Ainsworth and two children, Richard and Sharon, were born to them. In 1965, Kenneth's heart attack forced them to move into Ainsworth, and what would be their home for forty years. When able, Ken worked part time for Master's Night and Day Truck Stop. Upon healing, he used his self taught knowledge and skills and became an assistant veterinarian at the Ainsworth Vet Clinic until his retirement at age 62. Many happy years followed before declining health forced them to move to Primrose Assisted Living in Rapid City, South Dakota, in July of 2006 to be near their daughter. Berdena passed away July 2, 2009. Kenneth was transferred to Clarkson Nursing Facility September 2, 2013. Survivors include Richard and Carol Fegley, Indianola, Nebraska; Sharon and Don Deutsch, Rapid City, South Dakota; 10 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. Kenneth is also survived by two sisters, Lois Pratt, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Donabelle Woods, Canby, Oregon; and sister-in-laws Mariel Fegley, Bassett, Nebraska; Glenda Spies, North Platte, Nebraska; and Donna McConnell, Deming, New Mexico. Waiting in heaven for Kenneth was his wife of 65 earthy years, Berdena, his parents Lynn and Lucy Fegley, two brothers Ronald and Billy Fegley, grandson Ricky Fegley, great-grandson Kamron Fegley, and many other relatives and close friends. Waiting in heaven for Kenneth was his wife of 65 earthy years, Berdena, his parents Lynn and Lucy Fegley, two brothers Ronald and Billy Fegley, grandson Ricky Fegley, great-grandson Kamron Fegley, and many other relatives and close friends. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth, Nebraska. Dan Woods, a friend of the family, officiated the service. Grandchildren memories were presented by eldest grandson Kevin Deutsch; and eldest granddaughter Darcia Husmann sang Precious Lord Take My Hand, Peace in the Valley, and Amazing Grace. Pallbearers were grandsons, Kevin Deutsch, Michael Deutsch, John Fegley, Rich Fegley, Chad Werner, and Jim Brabec. Honorary pallbearers were all of Kenneth's other family, grandchildren and friends. Interment was at the Ainsworth Cemetery, with full military honors presented by the Ainsworth American Legion Post #79. Memorials have been suggested to Ainsworth Public Library, Ainsworth, Nebraska. The family wishes to thank the American Legion Auxiliary for the luncheon served following the burial.