Ronald Lee Kennett

Ronald Lee Kennett, 85, was born in Leavenworth, KS on February 12, 1939 and passed away on January 23, 2025 in Lincoln, NE. He grew up in Crete, NE with parents, Howard and LaVern (Babe) Stolz and older sister, Shirley.

Ron attended Crete High School, where he excelled in track and swimming, setting school records. It was also where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Sieckmeyer, who became his wife on October 13th, 1963.

After Ron graduated from high school in 1958, he entered the military, serving four years in the Navy. Eventually Ron’s outstanding swimming and diving skills earned him a spot on the specialized unit of the Navy Seals.

When Ron returned from the military, he became a firefighter for the city of Lincoln, serving forty-two years and was ultimately promoted to Deputy Chief.

Ron loved to fish and hunt. He was a devoted husband of fifty-nine years and a beloved father and grandfather, never missing a sporting event, dance recital, graduation, birthday party, holiday gathering or sacrament.

Ron is survived by: Sons, Tim (Shane), and Shawn; grandchildren, Rev. Cole Kennett; Lily (Cody) Wallinger and their sons, Rocco and Archer; Summer (Brandon)Utrup and their daughter, Dorothy; Emma (Conrad) Cronin; Cade and Easton Kennett; brother-in-law, Don Kovar; brothers-and sisters-in-law; Jeanne and Mike Wenz, Kelly and Karen Sieckmeyer, Cathy Sieckmeyer, Shere Sieckmeyer, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends (especially Cheyenne and Beth).

Ron was preceded in death by wife, Phyllis Kennett; parents, Howard and Babe Stolz; parents-in law, Glenn and Virginia Sieckmeyer; sister, Shirley Kovar; brother-in-law, Ken Sieckmeyer.

The family wishes to extend their thanks and gratitude to Home Instead and the hospice team at Bryan West Hospital for their compassionate and loving care.

Visitation, Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE. Funeral Service, Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 10:30am, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, NE.

Memorials are in the care of the family for future designation. Arrangements entrusted to Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Lincoln, Nebraska.