Kenneth D. Ficke was born to Adolph and Lana (Piening) Ficke on Nov. 6, 1931 in Seward, NE and grew up and lived his entire life on the family farm, near Pleasant Dale where he passed away on March 23, 2012 at the age of 80 years as a result of Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was baptized, attended Sunday school, confirmed and a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Pleasant Dale. He was united in marriage to Beverly Vaverka on January 27, 1951 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. They were blessed with three daughters and one son. In January of this year they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Kenneth was a mentor for his family and many young people interested in agriculture. He devoted his life to God, Family and to the improvement of agriculture. He pioneered innovative practices such as soil conservation, the use of hybrid seeds, and establishing a composite cattle program. Many of the early soil conservation efforts in the area were started while Kenneth worked with his lifelong friend, Chet Shaw, during the 1950's. He also was part owner of Thomas and Ficke trucking, sold Pioneer Seed Corn and beef cattle for 25 years and seed corn for Garst Seeds for 25 years. He enjoyed attding cattle sales, tours, and events across the state of Nebraska. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, baseball, and spending time with family and sharing life stories. In 1988 Kenneth accepted the AKSARBEN Century Farm Award and in 2006 Kenneth was inducted into the Seward County Hall of Agriculture Achievement. Kenneth was a charter member of the National Cattlemen's Association and a lifetime member of the American Hereford Association. Other community involvements include Seward County Feeders and Breeders, Pleasant Dale Fire Dept, Director on the Milford and Pleasant Dale Coop boards, the Pleasant Dale Cemetery board, 4-H leader and various positions in the church. Survivors include his wife, Beverly, daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Ernie Krenk, Rhonda and Joe May and Jolene and Joe Zochol, son and daughter-in-law, Del and Brenda Ficke, all of Pleasant Dale; his grandchildren, Matt and Ryan Krenk, Andreea Baker and Zach Zochol, Austin and Emily Ficke; his great grandchildren, Ashleigh and Cayden Baker and Calyn Krenk; his sister Ellen Ahlschwede of Seward; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Gary Bors; special friends Gregg and Lisa Eggerling; and a host of family and friends. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Lana Ficke; his brother Clifford Ficke, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lou and Irene Vaverka and brother-in-law, Darrel Ahlschwede.