Kenneth D. “Ken” Williams of North Loup passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Valley County Health System in Ord, Nebraska at the age of 84.
Kenneth Dale was born on January 9, 1941, on the Rogers farm in the Mira Valley area of Valley County to Melvin and Gladyce (Boyce) Williams. He grew up with his four siblings on the Ben’s farm and in 1949, the family moved east of North Loup. Kenny received his early education at Pleasant Hill Country School then graduated as the valedictorian from North Loup High School in 1959.
Upon graduation, Ken began farming which became not only a career but a passion. For the first ten years, he farmed the “Soper Farm”, nine miles west of North Loup and in 1970, the current farmstead, northeast of North Loup was purchased. Over 65 years, Kenny raised crops and operated a dairy farm. His life revolved around tending to the land and taking great pride in perfecting the cornrows and haystacks.
Ken took on another job in the mid 80’s and began working at Mormac which later became Popcorn County U.S.A. Never fully retiring, he worked until the age of 80 and planted his last crop in 2024.
On February 28, 1959, Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, Jerrolin Scott at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in North Loup, Nebraska. Together they raised a loving family of four, Gerald, Leslie, Louis, and Audra. The family resided on the farm and later moved to Scotia. Kenny and Jerrolin settled in North Loup in the mid 90’s where they have made their home and have been active members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church.
Ken was an avid baseball fan; his favorite team was the KC Royals and in his younger years, he played catcher for the Ord Town Team. Ken spent time working crossword and sudoku puzzles and enjoyed listening to Polka music.
As a native to the area, Ken loved going on drives and sharing memories and reminiscing about those that once lived there. He will be remembered as a man who did not want to be in the spotlight, but as a hard worker and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Jerrolin of North Loup; two sons, Gerald Williams (Sam Price) of Grand Island and Louis Williams of Vietnam; a daughter and son-in-law, Audra and Jeff Schawang of Waverly; six grandchildren, Sean Williams, Brock Williams, Josh Williams, Halle (Sawyer) Schroder, Zane Schawang and Zach Schawang; three great grandchildren, Channing Burton, Gracie Williams and Anthony Williams; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Merlyn and Colene Williams of Atkinson and Russell, Marilyn Williams of Grand Island and Judy Williams of Grand Island; a sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and John Benson of Fremont; in-laws, Wendy and Chuck Maser of Grand Island; former daughter-in-law, Amanda Williams of Lincoln; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Leslie Williams and brother, Leonard Williams.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in North Loup. Pastor D. Scott Smith will officiate. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery at North Loup. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Ord Memorial Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Seventh Day Baptist Church. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel.com
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