Kenneth René (Kenny) Wiens, 75, passed away at home near Lyons, Kansas on January 3, 2025. Kenny was a Christian, husband, father, grandfather, athlete, cattleman, and storyteller. His legacy is his reputation for honesty, integrity, hard work, and the character of his children. They were the light of his life along with his grandchildren. “Dad” and “Poppa” were his favorite roles. He enjoyed chatting with new people and never met a stranger. He was a member of Zoar Mennonite Brethren Church in Inman, and regularly attended First Baptist Church in Lyons, where he loved being a greeter.
Kenny was the middle son of Milton and Erma Jane Wiens, born in McPherson, Kansas, on March 11, 1949. He graduated from Inman High School in 1967. He was a long-time athlete with many honors, including 41 high school gold track medals, and a college basketball first team all-conference member along with Julius “Dr. J” Irving. His high school long jump record stood for more than 50 years. He attended Hutchinson Community College for two years on a basketball scholarship under the legendary coach, Gene Keady, and then completed a BS in Animal Science at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, while also playing as a member of their basketball team. He continued feeding his passion for athletics, playing basketball for the Lindsborg Gravediggers and in various recreational leagues into his 50’s, cheering for Kansas State University football and basketball, and by sharing his love of sports with his boys and granddaughters.
Kenny spent a summer working on a cattle ranch in eastern New Mexico before college graduation. He continued his livestock career back in Kansas after graduation, at Wellman Ranch near Sterling, and he worked for veterinarian Doc Randolph. In 1974 he became a stockholder and manager of Lyons feedlot Central Feeders, Inc, and full owner in 1990.
He operated the feedlot until selling it in 2005. He continued building a cow herd for the next 20 years. His daughter-in-law gave him a t-shirt that read “I JUST REALLY LIKE COWS, OKAY?” and that perfectly described his passion for genetics and performance in cattle.
In 1984 Kenny married Debbie and welcomed her daughter Jessie into the family as well. Son Cody was born to them in 1986 and Keegan in 1988. Kenny is survived by his wife Debbie, of the home, daughter Jessie Williams, Wichita, sons Cody Wiens (Amber) of Edmond, OK, and Keegan Wiens (Alicia) of Seattle, WA, grandson Jaques Williams, Jr. (Lauren), Rochester, MN, and granddaughters Addison and Reagan Wiens of Edmond. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Rita Wiens and Cheryl Friesen, five nieces and nephews and their children.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jay Wiens and Loren Wiens, and niece Danae Osborn.
Visitation will take place at Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 2 to 7 pm with family from 5 to 7 pm.
Memorial service will be at 10 am on Wednesday January 8, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Lyons. Burial will be in the North Inman Cemetery following the memorial service. Memorials may be given to the Rice County Community Foundation (for Rice County FFA chapters), in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.