Kenneth "Shorty" W. Stewart

Kenneth “Shorty” W. Stewart, 95 of Kearney, died May 9th, 2025, at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege, NE. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., May 14th, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church with Father Art Faesser as celebrant. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m., at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook with Father Bernard Kimminau officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., May 13th, 2025, at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl, and one hour prior to the service at St. James. Memorials are suggested by the family to be designated later. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements. Kenneth William Stewart was born in McCook, NE on May 23rd, 1929, to Hank and Hope (Zeigler) Stewart. Kenny, like so many young adults in the 1930s, attended a county school and through his younger years, worked on the farm with his father. Kenny was married to Doris on June 21st, 1950, they were married for 67 years. It was truly a special and loving relationship. He lost the love of his life in 2017. Kenny was a diesel mechanic by trade for more than fifty years and most of this was at Sahling Kenworth. During this time, he met and was trusted by hundreds of drivers from coast to coast, who knew him by one name, 'Shorty'. He was asked for by name as they knew their livelihood would be in good hands. Kenny proudly represented the United States to preserve our freedoms by serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. During this time, he was stationed in Panama to guard the Canal and also worked there as a mechanic. He was part of the many troops who ensured this vital waterway allowed for uninterrupted passage of military ships. He gave back to his family and friends in so many ways. It was his generosity which was his gift to anyone whom he met. Kenny was a great husband to Doris of 67 years, she was his best friend. They were inseparable and devoted Catholics their entire lives. As a parent, Kenny throughout his life modeled for his children an undying work ethic and a kindness and consideration for others. His children are ever grateful for his dedication to always doing the most he could to help them be a success in life. Kenny is survived by his children Peggy Hogins and husband Tim of Minden, John Stewart and wife Sheri of Yorba Linda, CA. Grandchildren, Amber Gruber of Minden, Keisha Mauler and husband Tim of Kearney, Sydney Thompson and husband Ian of Colorado Springs, CO, Leah Stewart, of Colorado Springs, CO and Jack Stewart of Yorba Linda, CA. Sister, Judy Peterson, Cambridge NE and Brother In-law Kenny Jankovitz of Culbertson, NE. Great Grand Children, Jessie, Jared, and Lilian Gruber of Minden, Trenton, Brynlee and Everleigh Mauler of Kearney, and Ashton Thompson of Colorado Springs, CO. Kenny is preceded in death by his wife Doris, his parents, and daughters Nancy, Linda, and Patty Stewart. A special thank you to Christian Homes and Brookstone Hospice for the love and care they showed for our dad and grandfather.

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Kenneth "Shorty" W. Stewart

May 23, 1929 - May 9, 2025