Kenneth “Ken” Edward Rech, age 85, was called home peacefully in the early morning hours of May 21, 2026, following complications from a fall. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, and community—a life richly and generously lived.

Ken is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Carolyn, whose partnership and companionship were among the greatest joys of his life. He is also survived by his three children and their spouses—Chris (Shannon), Troy (Kim), and Susan (Brent)—seven grandchildren, Shelby (Josh), Reid, Aubrey, Grayson, Campbell, Cooper, and Colton, and five great-grandchildren, Jamee, Sophia, Jaxon, Maci, and Molli. Ken is further survived by his three sisters, Donna (Greg), Joyce (Lowell), and Vicky (Jim), his sister-in-law Judy (Dave) along with an extended family of nephews, nieces, and grand and great-grand nephews and nieces who will hold him dearly in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Phoebe, his older brother Ron, his infant sister Judy, and his in-laws, Chris and Viola Kamenske.

Born in David City, Nebraska, on December 25, 1940, his childhood was filled with 4H activities, the county fair, baseball, and a fond memory of his undefeated high school football team (St Mary’s Catholic School) being named to the Nebraska Hall of Fame as a Dynasty Team. Taking that experience into college, he played football at Wayne State. He eventually transferred to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and graduated in 1964. Baseball was an additional passion, and he spent a couple of summers playing semi-pro baseball across the state as a catcher.

Ken’s career journey was as varied as it was meaningful, rooted always in a deep love for his family and his adopted hometown of Red Oak. He began his career as a math teacher in Omaha—a fitting start for a man who believed in building strong foundations. Relocating his family to Red Oak he served in leadership roles with Wilson Concrete, The Paint Store (as owner), Montgomery County National Bank (as Vice President), and Oakview Construction. Through every chapter of his career, what remained constant was his desire to build a good life for his family right where he chose to plant roots.

That love for Red Oak extended well beyond his own home. For decades, Ken gave back to his community with quiet dedication and an open heart, serving with the Montgomery County Development Corporation, the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees (over 25 years), Southwestern Community College (where he volunteered for 37 remarkable years), and the Reifel Elwood Educational Trust. He also was key to the development of the Wilson Performing Arts Center. This servitude resulted in recognition by the city of Red Oak as the Junction Days Grand Marshall (along with Carolyn) in 2014. He believed in the place he called home and in the people who shared it with him.

After retirement, mornings would find Ken starting the day having coffee at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. He cherished this time with his friends especially with Brian whom he loved as much as his own children. Ken also enjoyed coffee with his friends at Burger King and most recently McDonalds. Perhaps most central to who Ken was is his faith in God that guided his every step. A devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Oak for more than sixty years, his relationship with God was not simply a part of his life—it was the heart of it. In a moment that speaks volumes about the man he was, Ken’s final act before passing was sharing his faith and the wisdom of a life well-lived with his nurse in the ICU at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. He was an organ donor. Even at the end, he was still giving.

When he wasn’t serving others, Ken could often be found on the golf course, water skiing, tending to his yard, or cheering with great enthusiasm for his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers (even though they regularly broke his heart). He was a man who knew how to enjoy life and how to share that joy with everyone around him. Ken Rech was, above all else, a man who loved deeply and served faithfully. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rosary will be held at 5 PM Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel with visitation with the family to follow until 7 PM. A private family inurnment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a kind donation to the School Beyond School Program in care of the Red Oak Community School District Foundation.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.