Kenneth Allen "Ken" Stein

Hastings resident Kenneth Allen “Ken” Stein, 72, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE. 

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, November 8, at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings with Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett officiating. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. with the family present 5-7 p.m. Thursday, November 7, at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the Kenneth Allen Stein Memorial Fund to be gifted to the many charitable organizations that were important to him. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website and First Presbyterian Church’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fpchastings). To view the service, go to Ken’s obituary and click the play button shown towards the bottom of the page.

Ken’s family and friends were at the forefront of his life. His wife, Bev, meant the world to him. They were married for 45 years and created a successful business, life, and family together. Ken was always incredibly proud of his children Justin and Kimberly. They all lived within three miles of each other and were very close. You could always find Ken “down the road” helping them out. His grandchildren, Briella and Brooks were the light of his life. Ken never missed an activity or performance and was always giving them rides in his old cars. He was the greatest grandpa anyone could ever hope for. 

Ken graduated from Hastings High, class of 1970. Continuing to Milford Technical College with a degree as a machinist and completing his degree in 1973. 

Ken started Stein Manufacturing in 1976 following encouragement from Bob McClellan of McClellan Farm Equipment. Ken developed the “Stein” Power Take-off. The PTO was first used on local farm irrigation engines. Ken added to his product line pulleys, drive plates, and other needed parts for the irrigation applications. In 1980 he began employing others in production. Now his product line is still used in irrigation, as well as in the woodchipper industry, frost wind machines, and large leaf vacuum systems. The parts are mostly marketed in the US but can be found worldwide. Ken was very proud of his business and often joked he should retire but we always knew he never would. 

Ken joined the Hastings Rural Volunteer Fire Department in 1976. That department was formed by his father Willard, along with several other area men that saw a need for rural fire protection. Ken was the fire chief for many years and actively fought fire emergencies for over forty years. Ken continued his dedication by serving on the Hastings Rural Fire Board helping to oversee its needs. 

Ken served on the Adams County Ag Society Board/Oregon Trail Rodeo for 12 years. 

Ken was involved with the Nebraska Special Olympics Truck Convoy for several years. He was the unofficial media assistant doing photography and publications. 

Ken was a member of the Platte Valley Antique Machinery Association serving as treasurer and a board member. He was also a member of the Clay County Historical Society, and the Central Nebraska Antique Tractor and Equipment Club. Ken was a member of the Melon Roasters Car Club and the National Plymouth Car Club. Following in his father’s footsteps he thoroughly enjoyed restoring cars, tractors, and even an antique working steam engine which housed in a Clay Center museum. All three generations came together and restored his 1930 American LaFrance fire engine, which was used in many weddings, and funerals. Ken enjoyed taking his vehicles to community shows, events, and parades. 

Prairie Loft was another special place he enjoyed volunteering his time and taking his equipment to. He found great value in contributing to local history as well as the education of our local farming practices. 

He drove many local Veterans in the November parade event, Ken always felt it important to honor military dedication in memory of his father. 

He has been involved in church membership his whole life and has served on numerous committees but especially feels rewarded on the trustees. Ken's church life and faith were always very important to him. 

Ken’s commitment to his friends and community was astounding and by far unnoticed. 

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Willard & Della Stein; brother-in-law, Lyle Davis; and foster nephew, Godfrey Brokenrope.

SURVIVORS: 
Wife: 
    Beverly “Bev” Stein – Hastings, NE 
Son: 
    Justin Stein – Hastings, NE 
Daughter & family: 
    Kimberly Stein Borrell – Hastings, NE  
        Briella Irene Borrell 
        Brooks Willard Borrell 
Sister: 
    Barbara Davis – Estes Park, CO 
Brother-in-law & Spouse: 
    Kenneth & Sharon Jensen – St. Libory, NE 
Nephew & Spouse: 
    Eric & Alyssa Jensen – Bradshaw, NE 
        Children-Hayden & Summer 
Nieces & Spouse: 
    Jennifer Davis Ohnesorge – Lincoln, NE 
        Child-Henry 
    Laura & Will Stoutamire – Kearney, NE 
Numerous Cousins, extended family, and a community of friends