Kenneth Krien, longtime area masonry contractor, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the age of 89.

He was born June 4, 1935, in Saint Francis, KS to Jake & Regina Krien. From a very young age he was given the nickname "Charley" and it stuck. In the public and in business, he was often referred to as "Ken" or "Kenny" but to his family he has always been "Charley". He attended school in Saint Francis until the 8th grade when he began working full time. The family moved to Fort Morgan in 1951 because construction work was booming here at that time, and they have lived here ever since.

Ken met the woman who would become the love of his life through his sister and the rest is history. Ken married Shirley Geist on January 10, 1954, in Fort Morgan and they raised a family of five children.

Kenny was a kind, compassionate, humble man. He took great pride in his work as a bricklayer, but more importantly as a family man and a die-hard fisherman. He laid his first brick at the age of twelve and his last in 2016 at the age of 81. Kenny could always keep his family laughing with a good joke or a story from "back in Kansas". He loved mornings and he cooked breakfast for the family every morning, often while whistling to the radio. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends but keep in mind, he never used the word "goodbye" he would just say "see ya' ". Kenny passed this on to his kids and grandkids, so they have always done the same, it's always "see ya' ", and never "goodbye".

Kenny is survived by his wife, Shirley Krien; his five children, Jeni Nab, Karen (Doug) Johnston, Susie (Ron) Skinner, Steven Krien, and Joni (Lonnie) Van Meter; 11 grandchildren, Cody Johnston, Kami (Justin) Mook, Katie (Conrad) Bostron, Ashley (Brison) Pursley, Ross (Rebecca) Vollmer, Ronnie Skinner, Maddie Krien (Andrew Gesick), Jordan Krien, Courtney Van Meter (Chad Williams), Taylor Van Meter (John Mitchell), and Kyle Van Meter. He is also survived by his 14 great grandchildren, a host of friends, and a few good fishin' buddies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his only sister, Janice Uhrich; and his grandson, Nicolas Krien.

At Kenny's request, services will be private.