The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Kenneth Eugene Houghtelling passed away on Sept. 1, 2021 in Greeley at the age of 74.

Kenny was born in McCook, Neb. on Oct. 24, 1946 to Milton Houghtelling and Leona Williams.

In 1964 Ken met the love of his life, Sonya Kay Main. They married on July 27, 1965, and enjoyed 56 years together. Shortly after being married, Kenny began six years in the National Guard. A year later their son Craig was born. Two years later their daughter Kimbra joined the family.

Kenny started his career as a lineman working with his father-in-law in Palisade, Neb. A couple years later the family made the move to Brighton, at which time Kenny took a job with Union REA. After one more short stop, the family settled in Holyoke in 1976, where Kenny remained at Highline Electric Association until his retirement in 1997. Kenny loved his job. He fondly recalled the snowstorm of 1977 where he and a co-worker were trapped in their vehicle for several days. Kenny retired early due to neck problems.

Kenny's real love was his family. He was never far from his beloved bride Soni. In the early years the family was often found with family at the lake or playing card games. He was an avid hunter and fisherman for years. In retirement they relished working outside in the summers doing yardwork. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. His passion was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He rarely missed a ballgame and always found the energy to amuse them. The grandkids loved to pick on Cool Pops.

Kenny became a Christian and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Holyoke in April 1978. His relationship with Jesus was important to him. Kenny's first heart attack was in 1995, but he was blessed with 26 bonus years with his family. He overcame several more health issues over the years. Following a bout with infections he couldn't overcome, he finally went home to be with his Savior.

He is survived by his wife Soni; son Craig and wife Lisa, Byram, Miss., and their children Melissa, Amanda, Meagan, Coltin and Kevin West and their children; daughter Kimbra Killin and husband Troy, Holyoke, and their children Austin and wife Vivian, Alyssa and Cade; sisters Diane Wittman and husband Ron and Carrie Klock and husband Wendell; sister-in-law Gwen Greeley and husband Terry, Gering, Neb.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law; brothers Gilbert, Richard and Milton, Jr.; and his beloved niece Michelle Wittman Harris.

A memorial service for Kenny will be held at the First Baptist Church in Holyoke on Sept. 11 with Pastor Rick Reitz officiating.

Memorials are suggested to Wounded Warrior Program in honor of Kenny's brothers who served bravely in Vietnam.

Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.