Kenneth Lawrence Brummer, 81, of Salina, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at his home surrounded by his beloved family. He was born Nov. 16, 1938, in Tipton, the son of John and Caroline (Koster) Brummer. Kenny was a graduate of Cawker City High and a U.S. Air Force veteran.
In a beautiful handwritten letter for the family, he recalled how he met the love of his life in the summer of 1959. He married Betty Brummer on Dec. 29, 1962, in the Beloit Cathedral full of Christmas preparations. They continued to celebrate Christmas and their anniversary as their favorite time of year, passing on the wonder and faith of the season to their families. They moved to Salina and lived a beautiful life together raising their daughters.
Kenny was an architectural wood master craftsman. He work 42 years for Salina Planing Mill, retiring in 2004. His masterful craftsmanship is in every inch of the home he raised his family in, as well as countless churches and homes across the U.S. He had a great mathematical mind and many mechanical skills which his four engineer grandchildren inherited. His hobbies were hunting, gardening, live music and sports including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and University of Kansas Jayhawks.
He continued with his woodworking until this month. He was proud to be a Knights of Columbus and enjoyed camping, waterskiing, bowling, traveling and playing golf. His greatest joy was spending time with his devoted family and countless neighbors and friends. He was fun, adventurous, sentimental and of great moral character. He knew no stranger, loved everybody and tried to help in any way.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Betty; parents; sister, MaDonna; and brothers, Dennis and Duane.
Kenny is survived by his daughters, LaShelle Ginther (David, of Leawood, and Darcy Wojcik, of Overland Park; brother, Calvin Brummer; sister, Danielle Nuanes (Gene); and grandchildren, Reagan and Landon Ginther, of Dallas, and Ross and Grace Wojcik, of Overland Park.
Recitation of the rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, followed by Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., all at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 230 E. Cloud, Salina. Celebration of life in St. Mary's Parish Hall will immediately follow the Mass; private graveside burial for his daughters and their families in All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Salina.
He fought a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer and was lovingly cared for by family and friends. He will always be in our hearts and minds. His family is grateful for the deep compassion and excellent care provided by Dr. Yazan Aboudeh, Dr. Jessica Brown, Dr. Jeffrey Geitz and Dr. Ryan Payne, of Salina, and Dr. Joe Cates and team, of Kansas City, and Hospice of Salina.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tammy Walker Cancer Center or Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, KS 67401.