Kenneth Gigstad, 74, of Blair, Nebraska, died Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at the Memorial Community Hospital in Blair.

The funeral service will be Saturday, October 14, 11:00 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church in Blair with Pastor Pam Ciulla officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. on Saturday at the church. There will be a private family interment.

Ken was born September 20, 1943, in Alliance, Nebraska, to Pastor Karl and Arleen (Mortensen) Gigstad. He attended Midland Lutheran College and graduated Suma Cum Laude from Nettleton Technical Institute. On September, 15, 1963, Ken was united in marriage to Karen Rice in Columbus.

Ken was Vice President of Sales at Darland, Inc. in Omaha. Ken sold pre-engineered metal buildings for many years. He served as National President of Systems Building Association for eight years, where he also served on the National Board of Directors for many years.

He was president of Rainbow Center in Columbus, president of SW Sertoma club in Omaha, served as River Cities District Governor, and received Sertoman of the Year award. He received SBA “Oil Can” award and was inducted into the SBA Hall of Fame and the Pioneers Club. Ken also was president of the Chamber of Commerce and a 20 years Special Olympic volunteer and mentor.

He enjoyed watching NASCAR while snacking on M&M’s, Butterfingers, and a Pepsi.

Ken is survived by: Wife: Karen Gigstad of Blair, NE; Daughter: Karlyn (Darnell) Huppert of Blair, NE; Son: Jeff (Ann) Gigstad of Red Oak, IA; Grandchildren: Allison Huppert, Landon Gigstad; Brother: Steve Allen of Grapevine, TX; Sisters: Betty Jo (Gary) Hilferty of Arvada, CO, Elaine Sacco of Albany, NY, Karleen (Bill) Brown of Buffalo, NY; Family Friends: Michael Stepanek of Norfolk, NE, Michalee Hodge of Lincoln, NE.

Ken was preceded in death by: Parents: Pastor Karl & Arleen Gigstad; Brother: Norman Gigstad.

Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com.

Originally published in the Washington County Pilot-Tribune and Enterprise on October 12, 2017.