Kenneth Lee "Kenny" Ganskow, 80, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, January 31, 2025, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus surrounded by his loving family at his side, after a battle with cancer.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 4 at 10:30 AM, at Gass Haney Funeral Home with Rev. Aaron Witt officiating.  Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus.  Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and continue Tuesday from 9:30 AM until service time, all at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family or donor's choice.

Kenny was born April 27, 1944, in Madison, Nebraska, to Eugene and Eva (Streit) Ganskow.  He received his education in Madison and in August 1964 was united in marriage to Sandra Beed.  To this union five children were born: Karen, Mike, Mark, Melissa, and Kristy.  Kenny moved his family from Madison to Columbus in 1969.  Kenny worked at Nelson Chevrolet, Greenfield Auto Body, and Falcon Auto Parts as an auto body and frame technician.  In 1980, Kenny opened K & S Kar Services which he owned and operated until 1999.  In 2000, he opened Track Side Dyno which he operated until his retirement.  In 2002, Kenny married Louise "Sam" (Samek) Lincoln and gained four stepchildren.

Kenny and Sam enjoyed traveling, watching and participating in auto racing, and never missed an opportunity to see the world.  Kenny's love and passion for stock car racing formed at an early age and he owned and drove all makes and models but sure loved his Fords.  Kenny enjoyed lending a hand to any racer who needed help.  He was an amateur pilot and loved to fly.  Kenny also enjoyed attending all events of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Kenny is survived by:
Wife – Louise "Sam" Ganskow of Columbus, NE
Daughter – Karen (David) Breckenfield of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren – Teri, Trevor (Megan), Tawny (Justin) Slizoski, Trenton, Travis, and Nathan
Son – Mike (Patti) Ganskow of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren – Dylan (special friend – Katie), Emma (Ryan) Colsden, Vicki (Paul) Swails, and Ryan Cech
Son – Mark (special friend – Jessica) Ganskow of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren – Anthony, Alyssa (Jeff) Wagner, and Ryder
Daughter – Melissa (special friend – Roger) Rurup of Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren – Brett (Britni), Jaxon, and Jerek
Daughter – Kristy (Eric) Crouch of Beatrice, NE
Grandchildren – Kaitlin, Emily, and Abigail
Stepdaughter – Mari (Ronald) Melcher of Monroe, NE and family
Stepson – Robert (Janelle) Lincoln of Columbus, NE and family
Stepdaughter – Michelle (Randy) Bruhn of Columbus, NE and family
Stepdaughter – Debi (James) Kleinheksel of Columbus, NE and family
14 Great Grandchildren
15 Step Grandchildren
15 Step Grandchildren
Half Sister – Diane Cox of Blair, NE
Sister-in-law – Kathy Ganskow of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law – Karen Ganskow of Hastings, NE

Kenny was preceded in death by:
Father – Eugene Ganskow
Mother – Eva Ganskow Backman
Daughter-in-law – Heidi (Mueller) Ganskow
Granddaughter – Jamie Dumuth
Brothers – Jim, Don, and Tim Ganskow
Step Father – Lloyd "Shorty" Beckman