Vern R Kenas
Vern Richard Kenas, age 62 of Menomonie, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2010.
Vern was born on April 9, 1948 in Fond du Lac, WI to Vern A. and Marilyn (Bluemke) Kenas. Vern spent his early boyhood in Rosendale and in 1960 his family moved to Stevens Point. His education included a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Masters Degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.
Vern married Margaret (Peg) McKanna in Stillwater, MN on February 24, 1985. The couple moved to Brookside Home, a century farm in Lucas Township. Vern spent much of his leisure time restoring the farmhouse and maintaining the original out-buildings and grounds.
Vern’s career began in project management within the Civil Engineering industry. He later worked as a Senior Cost-Schedule Engineer for Bechtel Power Corporation in Ann Arbor, MI. In 1988 Vern was hired by Northern States Power Company as a Project Control Specialist for the Norenco Ladysmith Steam Plant, the A.S. King Steam line projects, and the Hydro Redevelopment Project in Jim Falls, WI. Vern recently retired from Xcel Energy after 20 years as a Senior Economic Development Consultant and a Senior Energy Conservation Consultant.
For many years, Vern taught High School Junior Achievement in Eau Claire and Menomonie. Vern coordinated a twice yearly Job Shadow Day for Junior Achievement at Xcel Energy. He was a mentor for Kinship of Dunn County and volunteered for Stepping Stones of Dunn County. Vern served on the Lucas Township Planning Commission for several years.
Vern is survived by his wife of 25 years, Margaret A. McKanna and daughter Jennifer F. McKanna both of Menomonie; son, Erik C. Kenas of San Diego, CA; sister, Jane (Irwin) Kenas-Heller of Skokie, IL; stepsisters, Marguerite (Michael) Wundrock of New London and Carol (Ralph) Fritz of Olathe, KS; stepbrother, Greg Viets of Marion, IA; two aunts, Elda Wetzel of Bradenton, FL and Nancy Neyland of Lake Placid, FL; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vern A. Kenas and Marilyn (Bluemke) Kenas Viets; stepfather, Hamilton P. Viets; and uncle, Robert Kenas
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie with a Prayer Service at 7:30 PM with Rev. Thomas Krieg officiating.