Kenneth (Ken) Layne Warneke, 61 years old, passed away on Thursday, September 1st, 2022, at his home in Jacksonville, FL from complications related to end stage liver disease. Ken’s greatest life accomplishments are his children and wife. He was so proud of his children and loved them with his whole heart. His wife was the absolute love of his life, his soulmate.
Ken was born March 2, 1961, the 3rd son of Richard and Twalla (Lane) Warneke. Ken grew up in and around Argyle, IA with his brothers and parents. Ken started his adult life in the United States Navy aboard the USS Vincennes (CG-49) as a Radioman from 1983 to 1989. During this time, he received education in electronics, one of his many passions. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer during his service. Because he was among the first crew aboard the newly commissioned USS Vincennes (CG-49) he has the honor of being a plank owner. After his honorable discharge from the Navy he moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming. In 1995, he met and married his wife, Roberta, and fell in love with his daughter, Breanna. In 1996 his son was born, and his heart grew larger. The love for his children showed in everything he did, from supporting them in Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts, to making it to every sporting event they participated in, to teaching them how to make home repairs and helping them fix their cars. In addition to spending time with his wife and children, he looked forward to traveling to Iowa several times a year to spend time with his brothers, and parents. Family was very important to Ken.
Later in his life he wanted to change his career. He graduated with honors from Minnesota State College Southeast in 2014 with an Associate Degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology. He was able to put his interest in electronics and his newly obtained degree to work at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, MN and then at Mayo Clinic Health System, Fairmont, MN. Ken enjoyed camping and hunting with his family and friends throughout his life and passed this passion on to his children. One of Ken’s creative outlets was working with wood. He handcrafted several wood pieces and was proud to share them with friends and family. Ken had a dream to live south of I-80 and not deal with Minnesota snow anymore. So, in 2019 he and Roberta moved to Jacksonville, FL. Ken loved exploring FL, going to the beach, and taking Socks, the cat, for a walk. He treasured gathering with his USS Vincennes (CG-49) shipmates and was looking forward to attending the next reunion in March.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, 8 months, and 29 days, Roberta, of Jacksonville, FL; daughter: Breanna Warneke (Nick Whelen), of Mankato, MN; son: Cody Warneke, of Mapleton, MN; brothers: Robert (Ruby) Warneke, of Keokuk, Iowa; Russell (Valerie) Warneke, of Argyle, Iowa; sister: Paula (Roger) Farris of Jefferson City, MO. He is survived by loving great nieces, great nephews, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws and a host of lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Twalla Warneke, and one nephew, Mathew Warneke.
Ken received amazing care from Drs. Jennifer Johnson, MN; Andrew Keaveny, FL; John Moss, FL; Adrianna Clapp, FL and all the amazing nurses and team members at Mayo Clinic.
Ken’s final wish was to be buried at sea, to honor this wish he will be laid to rest at Neptune Memorial Reef on off the shores of Miami, FL.
If you would like to join us for this service, please email robwar613@gmail.com. For family, friends, and shipmates unable to make it to Florida,
a celebration of life will be held on October 15, 2022 at 14943 615th Ave Mapleton, MN from 1100 to 1600.
Please bring your “Ken-isms”, favorite memories, and/or messages to Ken for his family to keep close to their hearts.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Warneke family.
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