Kenneth Raphael Magnett, 78, of Blaine, Kansas, died Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Community Hospital in Onaga. He was a life-long resident of the community.
Kenny was born February 24, 1946, in Westmoreland, the son of Joseph and Mildred (Roggenkamp) Magnett. He attended grade school and graduated from Wheaton High School in 1964.
The day after high school graduation, Kenny started working for the Union Pacific Railroad. Over his forty-two-year career, he was a Signalman and Signal Maintainer in Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado and Kansas. He also operated the family farm and enjoyed working the land.
Kenny was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen local 8 and a St. Marys 4th degree, of the Knights of Columbus, and member of Wheaton – Onaga Council 3185. He enjoyed hunting, especially deer hunting, and was always ready to play with his great-grand kids.
Kenny married Wanda Matzke on September 5, 1970, in Lillis, Kansas. After over 53 years together, Wanda survives at their home.
Kenny is also survived by his children, Karla Rice (Rex), Emmett, and Kenyon Magnett (Marsha), Blaine; his grandchildren, Kendra Thorson (Blake), Kassie Becker (Jordan), Kenzi Berard (Christian), JD Rice, and Peyton Rice; and his great-grandchildren, Addison, Brooklyn, Carley, Dani, Drew, Chase, Kamryn, Riley, Calvin, and soon to arrive baby Berard; brothers Bob Magnett (Janet), Roger Magnett (Susan), Mark Magnett, and Charlie Magnett (Sherri); sister Donna Schlarman and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Kent Magnett.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Onaga, Kansas. Father Viet Nguyen will be the Celebrant. Burial will follow at Fox Cemetery south of Wheaton. The family will greet friends, on Monday, at the church, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Rosary prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m.
They suggest memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society and those may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.