Kenneth Niles Barnard, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully Sept. 8, 2025.
A man of many talents, unwavering faith and a legendary sense of humor—especially when it came to a good “dad joke”—Ken was honored with a memorial service at the United Methodist Church in Portola, California, Nov. 8.
He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1959. Ken served his country with pride as a United States Marine, completing four years of active duty and 13 additional years in the reserve. After his active duty, he moved to Milligan, Nebraska, and became president of the local bank in Milligan.
Ken spent the last 40 years in Graeagle, where he became a cherished member of the community. His wit, generosity and steady presence enriched the lives of all who knew him, both in Graeagle and the surrounding towns. A lifelong and faithful Methodist, Ken was deeply committed to his church family. He served the Portola United Methodist Church in many roles, including singing in the church choir with his wife, Andi. His commitment to his church family was a cornerstone of his life.
Ken’s life was marked by curiosity, creativity and accomplishment. He pursued a wide range of careers with passion and integrity: banker, real estate developer, radio host and tax preparer. An enthusiast of trains and cars, and lifelong fan of Lawrence Welk, Ken brought joy and laughter wherever he went.
Ken is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 40 years, Andi (Steele) Barnard; their daughter Trish and her husband Shiloh McCoy, and their daughters Charley and Bernadette; sons from his first marriage to Louise Lauber, Paul Barnard and his wife Linda, and Chris Barnard and his wife Sally; Paul and Linda’s children, Joseph Barnard, and Juliet and her husband Chris Thomas; Chris’s children Jennifer Barnard and Jonathan Barnard; stepson Cory Herbolsheimer and his wife Alice, and their daughter Amanda; stepdaughter Raschelle Kindig and her husband Michael and their daughter Keira; brother Allen Barnard; brother-in-law David Rau; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Niles and Rhoda Barnard; brother Roger Barnard; sister Ann Rau; and sister-in-law Betty Barnard.
Ken’s warmth, humility and kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the laughter he shared, the love he gave and the lives he touched. Memorials may be given to the Portola United Methodist Church in Portola.