Kenneth Ruben Porath, 72

Kenneth Ruben Porath, 72, of Dannebrog, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Grand Island Regional Medical Center in Grand Island.

Kenneth Ruben Porath was born on July 4, 1953 to Ruben and Betty (Bonge) Porath. He grew up in Valentine, NE, baptized and confirmed into the Grace Lutheran Church in Valentine, NE. He graduated from Valentine Rural High School in 1971, then Kenny graduated from Milford Tech in Milford, NE as a certified Diesel Technician. After working as a mechanic in Valentine, Casper, WY, and Kearney, NE, Ke n n y worked for Nebraska Truck Center in Grand Island for a few years and after 30+ 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 known as the local gathering water hole.

Kenny was united in marriage to Marna (Niemoth) Porath on March 26, 1983 in Grand Island, NE. The couple lived outside of Phillips, Nebraska for five years and then moved to Dannebrog. Ken and Marna had a catering business for over 15 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 out of each sport. Kenny absolutely loved Nascar and Husker women’s volleyball.

Kenny was a Dannebrog volunteer fire fighter and actively involved in the American Legion Auxiliary in Dannebrog. Every year he was involved in numerous town events including the pancake feed fund raiser, Dannebrog Day’s, 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, and 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 Campb e l l of Hastings, Jessalynn (Joe) Bennett of Kearney; great grandchildren, Tayson and Stellan Campbell, 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, NE, Jeff (Sara) Sharp of Lincoln, NE, Bryan (Cassidy) Sharp of Bennington, NE; niece Michelle (Chris) Ober of Lincoln, NE; nephews Matt (Andrea) Miles of Grand Island; Mitch (Lindsey) Miles of Grand Island; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Kenny was preceded in death by his wife Marna, Kenny’s parents Rueban and Betty Porath, and mother-in-law and father-in-law Vern and Inez Niemoth.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Dannebrog. Pastor Sheri Lodel will be officiating.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. 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.