Kenneth "Kenny" Lienhart, 70, of Elkhart, passed away on Aug. 19, 2025, with his family surrounding him at Goshen Hospital. He was born on May 24, 1955, in Elkhart, Indiana to Walter and Josephine Lienhart, and was a graduate of Concord High School, Class of 1973.
Kenny was a journeyman patternmaker for 20 years, a member of the Concord Township Volunteer Fire Department for about 20 years, and a member of Dunlap United Methodist Church. Kenny had a tough exterior, but deep down he was a generous person, always giving his time to help others. As a volunteer firefighter, he was devoted to serving the community, making his way to chief for a period of time among other leadership roles within the department. He was a true handy man that could build, fix or repair just about anything.
He enjoyed classic cars, NASCAR racing, movies, music, his recliner, the occasional steak and being outside. While Kenny was a hard-working man, his family and spending time with them was important to him. On the weekends, if not working on a project of his own, Kenny could be found helping family with their projects. For the past 35 years, Kenny battled multiple sclerosis. As the disease progressed, he spent 17 years as a resident of Greencroft Healthcare.
Kenny is survived by his wife of 51 years, Debra (Sissom) of Elkhart, his daughter Amanda Scheel (Scott), and his son Nathan (Angie), and two grandchildren, Andrew and Kaitlyn Scheel, all of Indianapolis. He is also survived by his brother Dennis (Ginger), his sisters Kay Adkins (Jerry) and Susan Kime (Michael), all of Elkhart, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Josephine (Neidballa).
Visitation is planned for Friday, Aug. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Elkhart. Funeral services will be held at Dunlap United Methodist Church on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m. with burial at Prairie Street Cemetery to immediately follow. Visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the funeral service will also be held at the church.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Goshen Home Care & Hospice, the Indiana chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or a foundation/organization of your choosing in Kenny's honor is preferred.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Aug
29
Funeral services provided by:
Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home700 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516
Sponsored by Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Kevin Caird
August 26, 2025
Kay and Sue I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a sibling is never easy, no matter the years. Please know I´m thinking of you and your families. May memories of your time together bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Cynthia Shaffer
August 23, 2025
Deb, I'm sorry for your loss. we know that they are waiting for us.
Cindy Bussard Shaffer
Lynne Riggs
August 21, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Kenny when I used to come to the house. He was the nicest guy.
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