Kenneth Ray Broers, one of three sons of Herman J. and Amelia (Holscher) Broers, was born January 22, 1933, in Johnson County south of Burr, Nebraska.
He was baptized at Hope Lutheran Church at Burr and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, Nebraska. Ken attended Glenrock District #12 School through 8th grade and graduated from Auburn High School in 1950.
On March 3, 1953, Ken joined the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Midway CV41 and received the National Defense Service and Navy Occupation Service Medals. Upon his honorable discharge on February 28, 1955, Ken returned to farm in Nemaha County.
Kenneth was united in marriage to Genene Hawley on June 12, 1955, in the Brock Christion Church in Brock, Nebraska. They would be blessed with three children: Galyn, LeAnn, and Ronald while living and farming the family farm.
In June,1979 Ken and Genene sold the farm and moved to Oregon to begin a new chapter in their life together, clearing two acres of woodland and building a shop and a home. Ken, with Genene’s help, worked as a carpenter and contractor in their community. Missing family and grandchildren’s activities, they moved back to rural Auburn and Ken continued his contractor business for another 8 years.
Kenneth passed away at his home, with family around him, on Sunday, August 15, 2021, having attained the age of 88 years, 6 months, and 24 days. His parents, an infant brother, and brother Harold preceded him in death.
Ken is survived by his wife Genene of Auburn; children Galyn and wife Maresa of Rigby, ID, LeAnn Cook of Lincoln, Ronald and fiancée Catherine Betten of Hebron; grandchildren Anthony, Nathan, and Joshua Cook, Daniel Broers, Jennifer Scott, Tanner and Taylor Broers; a number of great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be Friday, August 20, 11:00 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial will follow in Clifton Cemetery near Brock. Visitation will be at the funeral home Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the USS Midway Museum or Wounded Warrior Project.