Kenneth "Ken" John Scholz, 78, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Tabitha Martha House in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Columbus with Rev. Adam Lassen officiating.  Interment with military honors will be in Graceland  Cemetery in Shelby, Nebraska.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Thursday from 10:00 AM until service time at the church.  Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Kenneth John Scholz was born January 10, 1948, in Shelby, Nebraska, to John and Amelia (Benda) Scholz.  He grew up on a farm in the Shelby area, graduating from Shelby High School in 1966 and attended Milford Technical College (now Southeast Community College at Milford).  It was while he was at Milford that he met Corrine Garretson.

On August 28, 1968, Ken entered the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He was honorably discharged on August 27, 1970.  Ken was decorated with the Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars; Combat Infantryman Badge; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Medal w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Expert (M-60 MG); Sharpshooter (Rifle); and the National Defense Service Medal.  Upon his return to the United States, he and his long-distance girlfriend, Corrine, were united in marriage on October 10, 1970, at St. Luke's United Church of Christ.

Ken was a diesel mechanic and worked for Potter International, Huston Truck Line, Tri-County Truck Repair and Garretson Equipment, retiring in 2013.  If that were not enough to keep Ken busy, he enjoyed farming the ground that he was raised on.  Ken enjoyed going to car shows, refinishing furniture, and collecting antiques.  He was a member of St. Luke's UCC and a life member of the VFW.  He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandpa to his only grandchild – Oliver.

Ken is survived by:
Wife – Corrine Scholz of Columbus, NE
Son – Scott (Heidi Uhing) Scholz of Lincoln, NE
Daughter – Ivy (Matt) Bryant of Lincoln, NE
Grandson – Oliver Bryant of Lincoln, NE
Sister – Judy Dieter of Mountain Home, AR

Ken was preceded in death by:
Parents – John and Amelia Scholz
Brother-in-law – Robert Dieter