Kenneth Liska Obituary

Memorial Services for Dr. Kenneth R. Liska, age 80, formerly of Wayne, First Presbyterian Church in Wayne, Saturday, 1:30 p.m. October 12, 2024
Ken's family invites everyone to join them for a A Celebration of Life and reception at The Coop, at Johnnie Bryd Brewery, immediately following the memorial services. Please RSVP to his wife, Jan Liska, at 402-369-1552 or email [email protected] asap.
Kenneth Ray Liska, husband, father, veterinarian, community builder and jokester died September 23, 2024, in Frisco, Texas at the age of 80. He lived a productive and fulfilling life in Northeast Nebraska for 78 years.
Ken or Kenny was born November 12, 1943, in Niobrara, Nebraska to Alex and Stella (Jerman) Liska. The 2nd of 3 boys, Kenny ate all his beef and potatoes and grew and grew. At 6'5" Kenny loved farmwork, animals, playing the trombone and sports. Kenny played in the Nebraska Shine Bowl Football Game and excelled in basketball holding a Nebraska men's basketball high scoring record until 1990. Kenny graduated from high school with a class of 19, including his girlfriend and future wife, Janice Kreycik of Niobrara. Kenny attended Iowa State University as Jan graduated from the University of Nebraska. The two married in 1966 and Ken attended the College of Veterinary Medicine at ISU.
Dr. Ken and Jan Liska moved to Wayne, Nebraska and along with brother Jay, started Wayne Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Ken practiced veterinary medicine in Nebraska for 32 years. The Wayne community is robust, and he found numerous organizations to help build, give back and belong to the community. Ken was a member and held board positions in Kiwanis, Masons, Wayne School Board, Power Genetics, elder with Wayne Presbyterian Church, Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, a bank board member with Farmer's and Merchant's State Bank and made countless omelets for Chicken Days.
Ken's hobby along with brother Jay was raising angus cattle. The ranching lifestyle was in his blood. Calving, fixing fence, moving hay, spring bull sales, no matter the task, he loved it. His children along with their cousins learned a great deal helping on the ranch as well as having volumes of stories from things gone right and things gone wrong in those years. He was also known to brew his own beer and grow tobacco for cigars.
As all of you know, Ken was quite the prankster. He always had a joke to tell, funny quip, or practical joke he was planning. He was a professional, a loving father and husband, a giver to his community, and a friend to all. Ken and Jan had a loving marriage of 58 years. They modeled love, commitment, fun and enjoyed dancing. They moved to Texas in 2022 to be closer to family.
Family members include his wife, Janice (Frisco, TX), children, Jason (Dana) Liska and their children, Cambell and Mira from Frisco, TX; daughter in law, Eleana Liska and Dr. Eric Liska's daughters, Stella and Grayce Liska from Helena, MT; Kim (Chris) Loofe from Kearney, NE and their children Lauren (FL), Madeline (MI) and Charles from Kearney, NE. Brother Dr. William Liska (Denise) from Sugarland, TX and many other nieces, nephews and friends.
Dr. Liska was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Stella Liska, brother, Dr. Jay Liska, sister-in-law, Donna Liska and son Dr. Eric Liska.
The family requests memorials be made to them for later designation.
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