Brandon Kyle Kenner

 Brandon K. Kenner was born April 18, 1985 in Ainsworth, NE to Paul K. and Ronda D. (Rose) Kenner, of Thedford, NE. Brandon got his first horseback ride at one week old. His daddy totally enjoyed it and they never slowed down. Brandon was soon joined by two brothers, Derek and Ty after moving to Wood Lake, NE.

 In the spring of 1989, his family moved to Bartlett, NE. Brandon started school at Wheeler Central, in the fall of 1990, attending kindergarten through the 2nd grade. Through those years he started riding sheep and calves at the local fair and rodeos. Riding and roping the milk cow calves in the corral was already paying off and a load of fun! The Wood Lake community found the family moving back in the spring of 1993. Brandon attended Wood Lake School his 3rd through 8th grade years. He really enjoyed the rural country school life. During that time Brandon loved to play basketball, wrestle and participate in 4-H horse and beef projects. 

 Brandon attended the Wood Lake Union Church through the grade school years followed by the Church of the Nazarene in Ainsworth. In 1996 Brandon went to the Johnstown Rodeo Bible Camp which became a lifetime involvement, from participating as a camper to becoming a board director. Brandon rode his first saddle bronc and bareback at JRBC and couldn’t wait to get on the next one. 

 Brandon attended Ainsworth High School, playing two years of football, continued 4-H and FFA, with his concentration turning toward wrestling and rodeoing. Brandon excelled in wrestling and medaled all four years at state. In his senior year, Brandon went undefeated and became the 160 lb. Class C State Champion. Brandon was thrilled to be with his brothers as they joined him on the team and qualified for state. He loved to pass his knowledge and skills on to his nieces, nephews and other kids.

 Bareback and saddle bronc riding was a favorite. He calf roped and team roped as well, winning many all-around buckles. During his junior and senior years, he qualified for Nationals in bareback and saddle broncs, taking him to Farmington, NM. He continued to rodeo in college and amateurs. Brandon graduated from high school in 2003 and attended Chadron State College that fall. He realized he loved ranching more than pursuing a degree & moved back home to grow his own cattle herd and help run the ranch. Brandon married Kaisha Coffman in the fall of 2004 and after a few years, they decided to go their separate ways.

 In January of 2007, Brandon was in a vehicle accident which left him in a wheelchair. His mental and physical strength helped him through the struggles and challenges. Even through the lowest times, he could find some positivity and strength. He started trying to figure out how to get around the yard and ranch, and NOT get stuck in the sand. In 2008, Brandon bought his first side-by-side, a Polaris Ranger, making him a HAPPY GUY! In 2009, the family purchased a Massey Ferguson tractor that Brandon could drive. His dad and brothers built a lift to allow for access and transfer, which allowed him to help with every aspect of ranching life.

 In January of 2018, Brandon decided to start his “Open 6 Fence” business, dealing in portable panels and continuous fence. Without the ability to lift and move the pieces himself, Brandon questioned this business decision. As with so many other things he tried, his family said…“you get it lined out, we’ll help you carry.” He enjoyed helping other ranchers in this small way.

 In the fall of 2021, Brandon was elected to serve on the Cherry County Ag Society Board. He really enjoyed helping the community with the Fair and Rodeo, Demo Derby, 4-H and FFA activities. Brandon was a natural leader, with poise and a commanding presence. He had a strong confidence, trust and love in the Lord that saw him through the good and bad in life. Brandon spent his life building friendships with a host of people, treasuring each and every one. Brandon passed away on October 16, 2024 at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE.

 Brandon was preceded in death by three grandparents, Homer Kenner, Tom and Ileen Rose; and one uncle, Cedric Boehr. Survivors include his parents, Paul and Ronda; brother, Derek and children, Brayden, Callie, and Treven; brother Ty, wife Nicole and children Kyle and Geneva; his grandmother, Clarabelle Kenner; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Cherry County Fairgrounds Pavillion in Valentine with Pastors Scott McClellen and Russell Thayer officiating at the event. The CD musical selection “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” by Alan Jackson was played. The guitar selection “A Pair of Wings” was performed by Mike Baxter, who also led the congregational song “Amazing Grace.” The obituary was read by Lyle Kenner. Other special remarks were given by several family members. Casketbearers were: Byron Burdick, Nathan Johnson, Clete Scheer, Eric Calkins, Booker Boyer, Chester Smith, Monty Krueger and Casey Stengel. Honorary Casketbearers were All of Brandon’s Other Friends and Family. Memorials were suggested to the family in Brandon’s name for future designation. Interment followed at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Wood Lake. The cemetery song of “I’ll Fly Away” was performed by Mike Baxter. At the visitation, the song “The River” was performed by TR Anderson. Arrangements were under the direction of Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.