Kenneth Karl Stelling

Funeral Services for Kenneth K. Stelling, age 88, of Plainview, Nebraska will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Plainview with Pastor Glen Meyer Officiating. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Plainview. Kenneth passed away on May 14, 2026. Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Plainview is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.snidermemorial.com

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial be sent to Zion Lutheran Church and School, Mission Central, or Lutheran Hour.

   Kenneth Karl Stelling was born on April 3, 1938, to Chris and Erna Stelling in Orchard Nebraska. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Orchard. Ken attended country school near Orchard, attended one year of high school at Concordia High School in Seward, and then graduated from Orchard High School in 1955. He then served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1956-1958.

   Ken married his beloved wife, Darlene Wacker on November 27, 1960, at Zion Lutheran Church in Plainview. Ken and Darlene started farming in Orchard with Ken's family until 1964. During this time their first two children, Dan and Deb, were born. In the fall of 1964, they bought a farm between Plainview and Osmond and moved in December of 1964. Shortly after moving to the Plainview area Denise was born and then came Dawn and Dean. In the fall of 1999 Ken and Darlene moved to Plainview, but he continued to farm and raise cattle while working at Schaefer Grain for several years until retirement. During his retirement years he helped with the mowing at the Plainview Country Club.

   Ken's faith and his family were two of the most important parts of his life. He was an active member at St. Peter's Lutheran church while living in Orchard and then became an active member of Zion Lutheran Church after moving to Plainview. He loved music and was a member of the church choir for most of his adult life. Ken served as a Sunday school teacher for many years. He was active in LLL, served as an elder, and was on the church council while holding many different offices at Zion. He was also active in NFO and served as an officer. Ken sang in the Norfolk Men's Chorus, and the Verdigre Men's Chorus for several years.

   In their retirement years Ken and Darlene loved to travel and visited the lower 48 states. He also loved to golf, fish, and play cards with friends and family.

   Ken is survived by his wife of 65 years, Darlene, his children Dan (Melinda) Stelling of Pierce, Deb (Kip) Duerst of Norfolk, Denise (Mark) Wragge of Plainview, Dawn (Scott) Williams of Osmond, and Dean (Melissa) Stelling of Norfolk. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matt (Lacy) Stelling, Mike (Cassie) Stelling, Meleah (Eric) Koehlmoos, Britney (Brian) Compton, Derek (Kaitlyn) Duerst, Dave (Abby) Wragge, Nathan Wragge, Seth (Jocelyn) Williams, Catie (Colin) Deines, Micah (Suzanna) Williams, McKenzie (Ben) Kucera, and Tyson (Hailey) Stelling as well as 23 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Lee (Neoma) Stelling, of Orchard, sister, Saundra (Walter) Biermann of Wisner, in-laws Emmy (Conrad) Gutz of Plainview and Dennis (Imogene) Wacker of Central City.

   Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Erna, his in-laws, George and Hertha Wacker, his sister Lavonne in childhood, his brother, Duane (Violet) Stelling and sister, Karen (Robert) Schwager, grandsons, Luke Williams and Trey Stelling and daughter-in-law, Kim Stelling.

Even though his earthly presence will be missed by all of us, we receive comfort that his victory is won as he is with his Savior in Heaven.