Kenneth V. “Ken” Wakefield
June 20, 1942 – January 3, 2024
Kenneth V. “Ken” Wakefield, age 81 of Omaha, NE, passed on January 3, 2024, at UNMC in Omaha, NE. Ken was born June 20, 1942, in Denver, CO, the youngest of five children born to Ralph and Helen (Barrett) Wakefield. Ken met the love of his life, Karen Pester, and they married January 4, 1964, and later were blessed with three children: David Wayne, Diane Marie, and Steven Kenneth. They were married for 45 years when Karen passed August 4, 2008.
Ken worked for Redfield and Co. for 46 years where he started as an Apprentice Press Operator and worked his way up to Sales. As a Sales Representative, he met and befriended a lot of people. Ken was an avid outdoorsman; he loved to hunt, fish, and golf. A family vacation was a must. Ken always said, “Traveling was the best education.” Once Karen retired, Ken and Karen’s travels extended outside of the country as well.
Ken is survived by his children: David (Christie Diers) Wakefield of Omaha; Diane (Jeff) Hylton of Carter Lake; Steve (Maria) Wakefield of Omaha; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Helen Wakefield; his beloved wife, Karen Wakefield; brothers, Barrett Wakefield and Richard Wakefield; sisters, Joanne (Wakefield) Jordan and Mary Lou (Wakefield) McCarron.
VISITATION: Monday, January 8, 5-7 p.m., followed by VIGIL at 7 p.m. at West Center Chapel.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, January 9, 10 a.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 5419 N. 114th St.
Interment, Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center St.
Memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
6 Comments
Uncle Kennth The Great was a wonderful mentor and story teller with a wicked dry sense of humor. He shared his time, talent, and history with me especially about his mother and ancestry that I would not have known otherwise. He will be cherished and missed.
We worked with Karen at Northern Border for many years and got to know Ken quite well. After Karen’s death, we would get together with Ken for mass and breakfast on Karen’s birthday. We also visited over the Christmas holiday season. We will miss him and his laughter.
Diane & Family, Know Ken & you are in my prayers & thoughts. I was sorry we could not attend the funeral this am. I worked with Karen for years and always enjoyed visiting with your dad. We both had June birthdays and he continued to send me B-D cards every year! So kind and considerate, Take good care. Love, Jim & Marge
Dave, so sorry to hear about your Dad. Sending prayers.
David, Diane and Steven,
I am so heart broken to hear about your dad. I always enjoyed our visits on my trips back home to Omaha. He was a very special person to me and as my god-parents he and your mom were always part of my world. My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your families.
David, Diane and Steven, you are in my thoughts as many memories of the early years and our families getting together. Your Mom and Dad were our closest friends and will be missed. Our condolences to you and the family.
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