Kenneth “Kenny” Donald Truhlsen, age 93 of Blair, passed away Dec. 1, 2023. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Blair, Neb. Graveside services will follow in the Blair Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair.
Kenny was born on Feb. 5, 1930, at the family farm in rural Washington County to Elmer and Carrie (Rasmussen) Truhlsen. Kenny attended multiple country schools in the area and graduated from Blair High School in 1948.
Kenny was about eight years old when he met his future wife, Norma, while she was helping care for Kenny’s grandmother who was a neighbor to Norma’s family. After Kenny’s grandmother passed away, Kenny’s family moved next door to Norma’s family and the bond grew stronger and stronger throughout the years. Kenny and his siblings Lyle and Winnie became lifelong friends with Norma and all of her siblings along with many great neighborhood friends. Many cherished memories are still being shared about their glory days.
Kenny and Norma were married on Oct. 7, 1950, at First Lutheran Church in Blair. To their union four children were born.They resided in the country until they moved to town where they lived for 60 years in the home that Kenny built.
Kenny enjoyed working with his hands and started working for Kelly Ryan building cabinets and benches in the river barges and tugboats. He then worked for over 30 years for Larsen and Jipp, alongside his brother Lyle, building many homes where he loved doing the finish work.
Kenny and Norma loved camping with friends and attending country music festivals. They loved their grandchildren and great grandchildren and hosting family gatherings and attending their grandchildren’s activities.
Kenny is survived by his children; Randy (Lynda) Truhlsen, Karen (Richard) Madsen, Rita Wilcox and Ron (Rachel) Truhlsen all of Blair, grandchildren; Katie Truhlsen, Josh (Kari) Madsen, Cody (Rachel) Madsen, Karley (Jake) Howse, Cole Truhlsen and Carrie Truhlsen. Great-grandchildren; Will, Sadie, Avery, Adelyn, Grace and Cameron Madsen, as well as many brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
Kenny was preceded in death by his beloved wife Norma; grandson Blake Wilcox, son in law Kent Wilcox, brother and sister-in-law Lyle and Trudy Truhlsen and sister and brother-in-law Winnie and Dean Ogle.
Memorials may be directed to Blair Fire and Rescue, First Lutheran Church or the Danish American Archives and Library.
Arrangements by Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair.
