Kenneth E. Zier, 94, formerly of rural Bayard, departed this earthly life and went to the arms of his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Scottsbluff. A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at the Bayard Cemetery in Bayard, Nebraska, with Pastor Jake Roberts officiating. The Nebraska Army National Guard and Gering American Legion Post 36 Funeral Honor Guard will provide military honors. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2022, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff. Memorials may be made to the Gering American Legion Post 36 Funeral Honor Guard. The service will be livestreamed and recorded to Kenneth’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Kenneth was born October 21, 1928, in Atwood, Colorado, the second child to Jacob III and Clara (Amen) Zier. Kenneth was one year old when the family moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Kenneth attended school at Minatare and Scottsbluff. He loved sports and was the catcher for the school softball team.
Kenneth enlisted with the United States Army and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. His titles included: Expert Rifleman, Demolition Expert, Combat Construction Specialist and Assistant Squad Leader. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and returned home to Nebraska to farm alongside his father.
He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marion Elaine Rohrick, on November 15, 1953, at Scottsbluff. They eventually made their home on the family farm in Bayard.
Kenneth’s main hobby was walleye fishing. He had a very well-equipped boat and went often, many times accompanied by his grandchildren who loved to go with him. He was also an avid bowler. All through his life he bowled on various leagues and ventured to many tournaments. Kenneth and Marion enjoyed traveling after he retired from farming and his sons took over the family operation. Kenneth served on the Bayard District 44 school board for twenty-one years. He also ran for a director’s position on the Chimney Rock Public Power District, was elected and served for twelve years. He was a member of Hope Congregational Church in Bayard.
Survivors include his daughters, Jeanette (Greg) Kniss of Scottsbuff and Cindy (Rich) Hagstrom of Bozeman, MT; son, Mike (Holly) Zier of Bayard; grandchildren, Andrea (Brian) Keith, Scott (Heather) Kniss, Jessica (Jeramie) Sumner, Daniel and Charlie Hagstrom, Cassandra Hagstrom, Nikki (Logan) LeDroit, Kayla (James) Christolear, and Jacob Zier; great grandchildren, Isaac and Lily Keith, Gibson and Gideon Kniss, Jayden, Jocelyn, Joshua, Jenasis, and Julianna Sumner, Rylen Thompson, Alyssa Marlowe, Kaine Hagstrom, Guinevere, Larry, and Allison Martin, Tanner and Aylee LeDroit, and Landon Zier.
His parents, Jacob III and Clara Zier; in-laws, Jacob and Lillian Rohrick; wife, Marion Zier; son, Jeff Zier; grandson, Allen Zier; sister, Dorothy Anderson; and infant brother, Leland Zier, preceded him in death.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Brian Keith, Scott Kniss, Daniel Hagstrom, Charles Hagstrom, Logan LeDroit, Jacob Zier and Isaac Keith.