Kenny Schaer
September 16, 1944 - March 28, 2025
Kenny Schaer went home to be with the Lord Friday, March 28, 2025 at Bryan West in Lincoln.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 2, at Highland Park Church in Columbus, with Pastor Jonathan Niles officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Wednesday, from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Hartman Post 84. The funeral service will be broadcast live on Highland Park Church Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial designation to these organizations that were important to Kenny: Columbus Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Group or Royal Family Kids-Columbus.
Kenny Schaer was born September 16, 1944 to Herman and Margaret (Reinke) Schaer. Kenny grew up in Richland and graduated from Columbus High School in 1964. He began work at Becton-Dickinson (BD) but was soon drafted into the US Army, serving his country from 1966-1968. Upon returning home, Kenny went back to BD where he met the love of his life, Rogene Navrkal, in 1970. The two were united in marriage April 15,1972. From this marriage came three children: Kim, Tracy, and Adam.
After 35 1/2 years, Kenny retired from BD in 1999. He loved gardening, taking family trips, taking photos, and playing with his kids and grandkids. Kenny also loved cheering on the Nebraska Huskers football team. Kenny volunteered for many years doing post prom set-up, always wanting to be involved in the things that his children were doing. Kenny served several years as camp grandpa for Royal Family Kids' Camp, sharing the love of God with these precious children. Kenny always made sure his home was a place where others felt right at home and was a dad and grandpa to many of his kids' and grandkids' friends. He enjoyed listening to music and would be known to grab the closest person as his dancing partner. But his favorite dance partner was always Rogene. Kenny lived out his marriage vows, setting an incredible example to all, especially his kids, on how to love, honor, and cherish your spouse in all circumstances. Kenny had a smile and laugh that was infectious and could light up a room. Kenny had joy that radiated from him, a joy that came from God. Kenny's faith was what carried him along, even to his last breath. His faith was firmly in Jesus Christ, and we now rejoice that he is face to face with his Savior.
Kenny is survived by: Wife: Rogene Schaer; Children: Kim Webster, Tracy (Chad) Yost, and Adam (Stephanie) Schaer; Grandchildren: Katie (Trent) Medley, Ashlynn (Brayden) Gronenthal, Annya Webster, Quintin Yost, Silas Yost, Cora Schaer, and Atticus Schaer; Great-grandchild: Cooper Medley.
Preceded in death by: Parents: Herman and Margaret Schaer; Parents-in-law: John and Martha Navrkal; Siblings: Marvin Schaer, Dwayne Schaer, Evelyn Saalfeld, and Luella Parry; Brother-in-law: Larry Navrkal; Great-grandson: Beckett Medley.
Condolences may be sent to
www.gasshaney.com.
Gass Haney Funeral Home
2109 14th Street
Columbus, NE 68601
402-564-5227
Published by The Columbus Telegram on Apr. 1, 2025.