Kenneth W. Pester, “Kenny”, 86, of Mullen, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Cozad, Nebraska.
He was the oldest of three children born to Wendell and Frances (Wells) Pester on Aug. 26, 1939, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kenny’s early years were spent near Denton, Nebraska, before the family moved to Arbor Road north of Lincoln.
He graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1956. After graduation, Kenny worked at the Burlington Northern Havelock Yards before enlisting in the Army. Following basic train-ing, Kenny was in the Army Reserves and then he moved out to the Sandhills where he started his lifelong joy of ranching. In his early years, Kenny also rode saddle broncs and did bull riding and was a member of roping clubs. Later on, he enjoyed participating in and observing draft horse pulling contests.
Kenny met Jean Lewis in Lincoln. They were married on Aug. 28, 1960, in Havelock and celebrated 61 years together before Jean’s passing. They had a couple very memorable bus trips, one to the NFR in Las Vegas and another back east to the Amish communities. Much fun and laughter was had with all the friends with whom they traveled on those journeys.
In addition to ranching, Kenny worked for a time at the Gerald Gentleman Station near Sutherland, when it was being built in the 1970s as a carpenter helper and later a welder.
Ken and Jean settled at the Evan’s Ranch near Mullen, eventually purchasing their “forever” place. He enjoyed leatherwork and doing everything he could with his work horse teams and his saddle horses. They enjoyed country living and the ranch way of life. Many lifelong friends were made in the communities in which they lived.
Kenny was preceded in death by his wife Jean; parents Wendell and Frances Pester; in-laws Roy and Alta Lewis; sister DeLaine Pester States and husband Elmer States; brother Keith Pester; siblings-in-law Dorothy and Bobbie Michaud, Mary and Leif Hoel, Russell and Julia Lewis, and John and Jan Lewis.
Ken is survived by his daughters Judy (Dallas) Neal and Bonnie (Terry) Elliott; five grandchildren Nichole (Eric) Mumm, Kristen (Mitch) Riley, Jason (Mariah) Elliott, Andi Neal, and Savannah (Scott) Johnson; eight greatgrandchildren Hannah, Emma and Ethan Mumm, Harper, Brecken, Bridger and Axton Elliott, and Amelia Johnson; one sister-in law LeeEtta Pester; and many other relatives.
Funeral services were held April 14, 2026, at the Sandhills Community Bible Church in Mullen, Nebraska. Burial followed in the Cedarview Cemetery.
Govier Brothers Mortuary/ Mullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.