Kenneth Michael “Kim” Hawkins, Sr.

Kenneth Michael “Kim” Hawkins, Sr.

September 5, 1954 – April 28, 2023

Kenneth Michael Hawkins, Sr., “Kim” was born on September 5, 1954 in Omaha, Nebraska to Fred Hopka Hawkins, Sr and Patricia “Tish” Gardiner Hawkins. In 1972, Kim graduated from Westside High School where he excelled in academics, baseball, football, and pretty much anything else that caught his fancy. He received his degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA in 1976, and his JD from Creighton University in Omaha in 1979. Kim passed away peacefully with his family at his side on April 28, 2023.

The very best moment of Kim’s life came on November 10, 1970 when he met Karen Harkert at the W. Clarke Swanson Library. One of the world’s truly great love stories began that night and bloomed fuller and brighter over the next 46 years. The two were married on August 14, 1976. They had three children: Kim Jr, Chris, and Ande. His children were his pride and joy, but his wife was the true light of his life. The two of them loved their travels to Europe, African safaris, and of course to their home in Vero Beach, Florida. But it never really mattered what they were doing or where they were; Kim just loved being with Karen, and you could see that in his eyes every single time he looked at her.

Kim loved hunting with Kim Jr and Chris, golfing with Ande, ski trips to Utah with his family, rooting for and being disappointed in the Huskers, playing with his grandchildren, pulling pranks on his family and friends, anything involving history, and taking every opportunity to teach something new to anyone who would let him. His humility, humor and wit were unrivaled, and Kim took every opportunity to find or create fun for his family and friends. His laugh, smile, and one-liners will be sorely missed but remembered joyfully forever.

As third-generation President & CEO, Kim transformed Hawkins Construction Company.  Kim made the decision that Hawkins should become a road and bridge builder.   His drive, vision and intelligence led Hawkins to be amongst the best civil contractors in the United States.  He did it by empowering leaders and building a culture of continuous improvement.  He fundamentally changed labor theory and in doing so established a standard of living, respect and pride for thousands of construction workers.

Kim was brilliant, caring, hilarious, thoughtful, intuitive, and humble.  He held a deep belief in caring for our community and stressed constantly that importance to his children. He supported countless organizations in Nebraska, but his true passion was for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands. He joined the Board of Directors in 1985, was chairman of the Board, served on the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Board and later became Chairman Emeritus of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands Board. His favorite moments with the clubs were when he got to shake the hands of the new college scholarship recipients.

Kim is survived by his wife, Karen; children: Kim Jr (Amy), Chris (Kayla), and Ande (Adam); grandchildren: Riley, Jack, Addi, Colin, Hunter, Ben, Alex, Kimbo, JoJo, and Jacob; brother, Fred Jr.; sister, Susan Katelman; beloved sisters-in-law and brothers in law; nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Sr. and mother, Tish.

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VISITATION: Tuesday, May 2^nd from 5pm to 8pm at the West Center Chapel.  SERVICES: Wednesday, May 3^rd at 10am at Morning Star Lutheran Church, 331 So. 85^th Ave.  Interment, Forest Lawn.  Memorials are suggested to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.