Kenneth L. “Kenny” Keck, age 68, of North Platte passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Kenny was born December 20, 1956, in Columbus, NE, to William “Bill” Charles and Shirley Ann (Blair) Keck. Kenny spent his youngest years in Columbus where his Dad worked for Union Pacific Railroad. The family moved west to Grand Island and on to North Platte during his sophomore year of high school. In 1975 Kenny graduated from St. Patrick’s High School, lettering in basketball and football. He left behind a legacy as one of the hardest hitters on the football field.
Just out of high school, Kenny worked in construction briefly before being hired on at the Union Pacific Railroad at the age of 19. He was a loyal and valued employee for 49 years that included time spent being active in their Total Safety Culture Program that brought recognition for his commitment to improved safety in the workplace. In addition to the railroad, Kenny started Keck Sharpening Service, or more commonly referred to as the “Shop”, where he became a Master Sharpener. At the Shop he ensured blades were sharp to include over 20 years serving customers in North Platte and surrounding communities in west central Nebraska. Through the shop Kenny supported sporting events, sharpening the mower blades for St. Patrick’s School and many large blades used at the local Premdor Company.
Kenny was always a hard-worker, yet knew how to have fun with every free moment spent with family and friends. In 1997 Kenny met the love of his life, Teresa Wood. The two were wed October 2, 1998, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. To this union was born his beloved daughters Leela and Josie. Through the years of spending time with his many nieces and nephews, being the favorite Uncle, it was the birth of his girls he called his “squirrels”, that he found new interests serving as a parent coaching their softball and basketball teams. Then a most true love when they were blessed with their granddaughter Paisley Marie Barker.
Kenny’s passion for life was seen through his smile, generosity, sharp wit and sometimes uncalculated memorable moments. Whether it be on the train and pulling a Willie, manicuring the home lawn or spending time with family and friends. Through the years he fully enjoyed whipping the Fun Deck boat around the lake, hosting 4th of July parties, helping at church events and supporting local sports teams. Kenny was always checking in, making friends and spreading smiles, or possibly groans with his jokes. Of course, he saved the best of himself for his expanding family to include the addition of his new son-in-law Brayden Barker. Kenny took pride in his daughters, their sports and above all their education. His memory will always live on through all the lives he touched.
Those left to cherish Kenny’s memory are his wife of 26 years Teresa L. Keck; daughters Leela Marie Keck of Lincoln and Josie Lynn (Brayden) Barker of North Platte; brothers Allan Keck of Grand Island, Steve (Cindy) Keck of North Platte, Keven (Alice) Keck of North Platte, and Dick Keck of Kearney; sisters Kathy Buck and Dorothy (Hubert Sorrells) Savory of North Platte; granddaughter Paisley Marie Barker; and many more cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Shirley; brothers William “Butch” Keck Jr. and Edward Keck; and sister Bonnie Tilford.
A book signing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Robert Tucker officiating. Burial will follow at North Platte Cemetery. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Patrick’s School Endowment.