Kenny Houghtelling
Kenneth Eugene Houghtelling of Holyoke died Sept. 1, 2021, in Greeley at the age of 74. Kenny was born in McCook, Nebraska, on Oct. 24, 1946, to Milton Houghtelling and Leona Williams.
In 1964 Ken met the love of his life, Sonya Kay Main. They were 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, Nebraska. A couple of 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 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.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, as well as his brothers, Gilbert, Richard and Milton Jr., and his beloved niece, Michelle Wittman Harris.
He is survived by his wife, Soni; son, Craig and wife Lisa of Byram, Mississippi, and their children, Melissa, Amanda, Meagan, Coltin and Kevin West, and their children; daughter, Kimbra Killin and husband Troy of Holyoke, and their children, Austin and wife Vivian, Alyssa and Cade; sisters, Diane Wittman and husband Ron and Carrie Klock and husband Wendell, and their families; and sister-in-law, Gwen Greeley and husband Terry of Gering, Nebraska, and their family.
A memorial service for Kenny will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, at First Baptist Church in Holyoke, with Pastor Rick Reitz officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Kenny’s brothers who served bravely in Vietnam.
Baucke Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.