Pastor Kenneth A. Fairbrother

Kenneth Archie Fairbrother was born on November 27th, 1957 in Shillong, Assam, India to missionaries Archie and Marguerite (Bare) Fairbrother. He was the 4th of 7 children born to that union. His family continued to live in India until he was in Junior High when they moved back to the States and landed in Huron, SD. After the family moved to Lincoln, NE he attended Lincoln Northeast (Go Rockets…) and graduated in 1975. After High School he attended Dakota Bible College in Huron, South Dakota where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sacred Literature. During his first year in college he met his wife, ministry partner, and best friend Sandy Scheurer. They were married on November 21st, 1976 in Rapid City, South Dakota. After he completed college, they accepted their first full-time ministry position at Superior Church of Christ in Superior, Nebraska in the fall of 1983. In 1985 Ken and Sandy welcomed their only child Brock into the world. Ken was thrilled to be a father and would spend the rest of his life teaching his son what it means to be a man who lives, loves, and leads well. The Church in Superior saw significant growth during the Fairbrother’s tenure there. Much of that growth can be accredited to Ken’s relentless work ethic, sense of personal responsibility, and desire to show genuine love to everyone God put in his path. In the spring of 1995, the family accepted a ministry position at Countryside Christian Church in Kearney, Nebraska. Once again, Ken went to work loving the Church into a deeper sense of purpose, joy, and Hope. And once again incredible changes and growth occurred. He also spent much of his time in Kearney as the Chaplain at St John’s Center, a nursing home with the Good Samaritan Society. In the fall of 2007, they moved to South Dakota to care for Sandy’s father. Shortly after moving to the Black Hills, Ken accepted the position of Senior Minister at Black Hawk Community Church. He hated the snow, but he loved the people. He formed many relationships and was heavily involved in Convoy of Hope and other inter-ministry activities. In the spring of 2018 Ken and Sandy accepted their final position at Missouri Valley Christian Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa. The Church welcomed them warmly with open arms. The last two years were full of joy and community. Ken’s legacy is Hope. He wanted everyone to know Jesus Christ was the reason for that Hope. Even in his most painful moments, Hope was at the forefront of his mind. Ken enjoyed many activities including smoking meat, going on road trips, going to football games (Skol Vikings), and even doing laundry. But nothing compared to getting to love on his family, especially his two beautiful granddaughters. Ken Fairbrother died of Covid-19…ONLY Covid-19…on November 29th, 2020 in Omaha, Nebraska on Mercy Road, surrounded by family.

Ken is survived by his wife Sandy, son Brock and daughter in-law Jenna, two beautiful granddaughters McKenna and Johnna, brother Chuck, sisters Jeannie and Zana, and several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Visitation services will be held Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Missouri Valley Christian Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020 at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Lincoln, NE at 2:00 p.m.. We will all meet at Gate 2 at the Cemetery.

The family requests that anyone who attends wear a mask and maintain social distance. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you feed a homeless person or help someone in need.

Arrangements by Hennessey Funeral Home, Missouri Valley, Iowa.

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29 Comments

  • Lee Martin-Marshall Posted December 1, 2020 6:28 pm

    Ken was a great example of what it means to be a joyful person. I enjoyed working with Ken and singing with him in our St. John’s Center quartet. His quick smile and laughter reflected his love of God, family and all people. My condolences to Sandy, Brock and family.

  • Keith and Dayla Wentz Posted December 1, 2020 8:13 pm

    Knowing the joy he had in Christ gives us all the hope that we have in knowing that we will see him again. Praying for peace and the love of God will surround you in this time of sorrow.

  • Patricia Zwink Posted December 1, 2020 8:25 pm

    Please accept my sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers. Ken impacted everyone he met and we will all feel the loss of this wonderful man.

    • Cindy Williamson Posted December 3, 2020 7:44 pm

      Sorry for your loss, Ken was a man of God, it was reflected in his work and word of God, I follows him on Facebook also, because I sure liked his Sermons, he’ll be missed, our loss Heaven’s gain.

  • Carl and Kathie Buskirk Posted December 1, 2020 9:02 pm

    Ken will be greatly missed. He ment the world to our family.

  • Micheal Scott Posted December 2, 2020 6:20 am

    Ken was a good man.

  • Jan Wymore Posted December 2, 2020 7:41 am

    So sorry for your loss. Ken was a faithful servant of God and he will be missed.

  • Darwin and Sharon Fritz Posted December 2, 2020 9:06 am

    Ken, you were a heck of a gentleman! So glad we were in Superior at the same time!

  • Kendra Bargen Posted December 2, 2020 9:53 am

    So many wonderful memories of such an incredible, admirable man… too many to mention in a short post. His passing has left a huge void in the hearts and lives of those who loved him. We know he is rejoicing in Heaven, even as we who remain on this earth weep and mourn his absence. Sending my love and continued prayers and long-distance hugs to Sandy, Brock, and all of Ken’s family during this difficult time.

  • Donna Eells Posted December 2, 2020 1:42 pm

    We’ve Know the Faithbrothers for many years. Ken made such a difference in our daughter’s life in Kearney, Nebraska . We are so sad for Sandy and Brock but can hear “Well done, Thou good and faithful servant.!”

  • Jeff Reid Posted December 2, 2020 4:56 pm

    We moved to South Dakota in 2011 and Black Hawk Community Church was instantly home to us. Ken baptized two of our three children. He was so encouraging to my wife and mentored her when she became the youth leader. But above all, he was a passionate follower of Christ. He was a great friend and we will miss our friend and his great smile. He was always smiling, even though he himself had some personal struggles. However, we rejoice knowing that he is with our maker. We love you Ken, Sandy and Brock!

    The Reid Family

  • Adam Wagner Posted December 2, 2020 8:19 pm

    Great guy. Mighty servant of God. He will be missed.

  • Vicki and Scott Triggs Posted December 2, 2020 9:01 pm

    Sandy, Brock and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss of a wonderful man and friend. I had always enjoyed listening to Ken’s words, he always knew how to give a great lesson. Many hugs and prayers to you and family.

  • Angelia Shull Posted December 2, 2020 9:50 pm

    Ken changed the life of so many people. He dropped whatever he was doing to come to the nursing home to minister to the residents there. He gave so unconditionally to others. The world was a much better place with him in it, but he will always, always be in our hearts and spirits!

  • Angelia Shull Posted December 2, 2020 9:56 pm

    Ken was always willing to drop whatever he was doing to come to the Nursing Home to minister to the residents there. The world was a great place with him in it but he will always, always be in our hearts, minds and spirits forever!

  • Steven Posted December 3, 2020 9:27 am

    Dear Fairbrother family, I was saddened to see that Ken had passed away. Thanks for printing his obituary in the Rapid City Journal so we would know here in this area. In my interactions with Ken, he was a “gentle” man. He wasn’t a pushover, but his smile and his caring heart shown greatly through him. May God minister to you in your loss.

  • Keith Young Posted December 3, 2020 9:53 am

    New Ken for such a short time . Too Short He was a very pleasant person to be around you could tell he was a Godly man by the way he spoke and carried himself , Sandy is also a treasure too. Never met Brock but knew a lot about him as well has his two beautiful girls. I am so sure he will be missed and it is a unfortunate thing that I did not get to know him better. My deepest sympathy for the family until they meet again in Heaven. Keith

  • Family of Herb Brothers Posted December 3, 2020 12:45 pm

    Ken’s vocation as a minister was a calling meant to be. Although he will undoubtedly be missed by family, friends and the churches and communities he served, take comfort in the positive impact he had on the lives of others. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Fairbrother family. We are sorry for your loss and are thinking of you in this difficult time.

  • Trudy Fairbrother Posted December 3, 2020 9:55 pm

    Ken was the only brother that I had in my life but he was certainly a wonderful one! I too loved his smile and his quick wit but most of all I loved his commitment to our Lord! He made life look like so much fun and I will miss him. He also made the best smoked brisket I have ever eaten! Love you brother and look forward to seeing you again.

  • Trudy Fairbrother Posted December 3, 2020 11:27 pm

    Ken was my only brother and it just feels far too soon to have to say goodbye. He was always so smart and steady. He was a good friend, loyal and thoughtful. I could ask him any question and know he would have the right answer. Trust worthy always, near or far. Ken is the steady in life. Sandy and Brock, a new steady in your life has stepped up and you know Him well because He is where Ken got his steady. I know Ken has grounded you well in him. That is just what he would do love Chuck

  • Trudy Fairbrother Posted December 3, 2020 11:30 pm

    Ken was a wonderful brother-in-law. I loved his smile and his quick wit. He could also make an amazing smoked brisket. He was a true Christian and was a beautiful light in this world. I will miss him but I know we will meet again love you Sandy and Brock and family. We are always here for you. Our prayers will continue for you all

  • Alicia Fairbrother Posted December 3, 2020 11:40 pm

    I remember being at grandma’s funeral and someone stood up and simply said “She was a Christian.” When I think of Uncle Ken, that’s the first thing that comes to my mind, he was a Christian. He made the world a better place just by being in it and I will miss him so deeply, but I know he is rejoicing in Heaven. I love you all so much.

  • Jolene Hanson Posted December 4, 2020 7:04 am

    Sandy and family-I am so very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a good man. My prayers are with you.

  • James and Sherryl Zoltenko Posted December 4, 2020 3:02 pm

    Dear Sandy, our hearts are sad for us to not have spent more time with you and Ken. We have enjoyed many laughs and tears through the years. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and Brock’s family to face this time of great loss with courage and hope. We will miss that smile that beamed from his face. Love from the “Oltenko’s”

  • Patti Bomgaars Posted December 5, 2020 1:45 pm

    Ken was the embodiment of what a Christian is. His love for all humans had no end. Our world lost an amazing soul.

  • Ken McNeff, Amanda and Maddox Posted December 5, 2020 9:22 pm

    Ken was a good friend and made our wedding and marriage counseling memorable. I also enjoyed his singing and his thoughtful words and sermons.

  • Scooters coffee in blair Posted December 7, 2020 8:46 am

    Kenneth started coming into my store a little over a year ago. He was the sweetest man. We all enjoyed getting to know him while he visited my store to work on his sermons for church. He will be greatly missed.

  • Robert Keith Fischer Posted December 8, 2020 7:22 pm

    I knew Ken in Rapid City, SD, and enjoyed working with him on many community projects to bring the love of Jesus to the Black Hills. I was saddened at his loss, and know he is with our Savior and we will see him again. God bless and comfort Sandy and his son Brock and Jenna and grandchildren McKenna and Johnna and his brother and sisters, nieces and nephews and cousins. He was a godly man.

  • Tammy Soulek Posted January 8, 2021 10:51 pm

    Ken & his family had made such an impression on me growing up that last year I searched for him online. So grateful for the exchanges we had and the ability to listen to his sermons on social media. This is not good-bye, but “see ya’ later”. Always in my heart.

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