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Loren A. Kieckhafer, “Wheels†76 of Craig, Formerly of Hooper and Ogallala passed away on September 7, 2026 at Bobette’s Home Care in Fremont.
Loren was born in Osmond, Nebraska on December 9, 1949 to Arthur and Gretchen (Christensen) Kieckhafer. Following several moves the family ultimately settled in Hooper where Loren attended school as a member of the Class of 68. In February of 1970 he was drafted into the army. He served in Vietnam with an engineering unit building roads and bridges. He returned to the area in September of 1971.
Loren spent the majority of his working life in construction and carpentry, being very gifted with being able to work with his hands and could fix almost anything with his tinkering. A favorite Montra of his was “What would Macgyver do?†Late in 1992 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and became a cancer survivor since 1993. Because of his health issues and physical limitations, he shifted to other lines of work; at the Hooper Care Center, Monke Bros Fertilizer, Fontanelle Hybrids and Summit State Park.
Loren was united in marriage to Christine Wheelock in October of 1973. A son, Travis, was born into this union, they later divorced. In December of 1988 he married Carole Hanson. To this union another son, Levi was born, Loren and Carole also divorced. In November of 1999 he married Judy Brandenburg where he gained a stepdaughter Mandi.
Loren was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Gretchen Kieckhafer of Hooper. Brother Alan Kieckhafer of Ogallala, and wife Judy in 2017
Surviving family includes Sons, Levi Kieckhafer and wife Lexie, children Benton, Waylon, Everly, Brinley, and Lakely of Hooper; Travis Hoops of Omaha and wife Rachelle and their sons, Samuel and Christian of Omaha. Stepdaughter, Mandi and husband Jacob Swahn of Yutan; sister, Karen and George Wagner of Hooper; sister-in-law Peggy Kieckhafer of Ogallala, nieces and nephews and ex-wife Carole Kieckhafer of Fremont.
There will be no formal funeral but a private burial. A celebration of life will be hosted by family at a later date.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Loren was born in Osmond, Nebraska on December 9, 1949 to Arthur and Gretchen (Christensen) Kieckhafer. Following several moves the family ultimately settled in Hooper where Loren attended school as a member of the Class of 68. In February of 1970 he was drafted into the army. He served in Vietnam with an engineering unit building roads and bridges. He returned to the area in September of 1971.
Loren spent the majority of his working life in construction and carpentry, being very gifted with being able to work with his hands and could fix almost anything with his tinkering. A favorite Montra of his was “What would Macgyver do?†Late in 1992 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and became a cancer survivor since 1993. Because of his health issues and physical limitations, he shifted to other lines of work; at the Hooper Care Center, Monke Bros Fertilizer, Fontanelle Hybrids and Summit State Park.
Loren was united in marriage to Christine Wheelock in October of 1973. A son, Travis, was born into this union, they later divorced. In December of 1988 he married Carole Hanson. To this union another son, Levi was born, Loren and Carole also divorced. In November of 1999 he married Judy Brandenburg where he gained a stepdaughter Mandi.
Loren was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Gretchen Kieckhafer of Hooper. Brother Alan Kieckhafer of Ogallala, and wife Judy in 2017
Surviving family includes Sons, Levi Kieckhafer and wife Lexie, children Benton, Waylon, Everly, Brinley, and Lakely of Hooper; Travis Hoops of Omaha and wife Rachelle and their sons, Samuel and Christian of Omaha. Stepdaughter, Mandi and husband Jacob Swahn of Yutan; sister, Karen and George Wagner of Hooper; sister-in-law Peggy Kieckhafer of Ogallala, nieces and nephews and ex-wife Carole Kieckhafer of Fremont.
There will be no formal funeral but a private burial. A celebration of life will be hosted by family at a later date.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com