Kenneth “Kenny” Frank Branda
October 19, 1943 ~ February 1, 2024
Kenneth “Kenny” Frank Branda, of rural Wilson, passed away on February 1, 2024, at HaysMedical Center in Hays, Kansas, at the age of 80. He was born on October 19, 1943, to Bohumil“Shorty” and Edith (Mahoney) Branda in Ellsworth, Kansas.
Kenny graduated from Wilson High School in 1961 and went on to attend Fort Hays State University. He chose a ski trip over his finals, which ended his higher education. He married Amy (Hoch) in front of a few close friends and family on June 3, 2005, in rural Wilson.
Kenny farmed his whole life, which began with his father. He started plumbing in 1963 before starting Kennys Construction, Inc in 1972. Kenny was in the construction business for 52 years.Kenny played in the dirt every opportunity he had, whether it was moving and setting up drilling rigs, digging basements, or building roads and terraces. He was a perfectionist in his work and didn’t quit until the work was just right. Kenny would also move snow in the winter from the high school parking lot, clear streets and driveways for those who he knew needed to go to doctors’ appointments, etc.
God did not give Kenny patience. He would paint something and have it assembled before the paint even dried. Which resulted in getting paint all over his hands and clothes. Before he was old enough to have a license, he rode his bike to town and traded it for his first car. Later in life Kenny and Amy purchased two jet skis. Kenny had to try them out on the pond before he could get them on the lake. He and the jet ski both ended up on the shore.
Kenny was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus (Former Grand Knight), Wilson High School Alumni Association (Coordinator), Sons of the American Legion,Former City Council Member, and Former Wilson Fire Department Chief.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Amy of rural Wilson; daughters, Joan Branda of Trenton, TX, Sharon (Mike) McConnell of South Haven, KS; bonus son, Martin (Courtney) Swart of Canton, KS; five grandchildren, Kristin (Josh) Weger, Jessica (Cody) Douglas, Kaitlin (Roger) Graham, Breanna (Seth) Stroman, James McConnell and his two bonus grandchildren, Kensington and Oliver Swart and ten great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home in Wilson. Visitation will be on Friday, 6:00-8:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Scattering will take place at a later time in Rural Wilson.
Memorials are suggested to Wilson Alumni Association and Golden Belt Humane Society and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, P.O. Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com