Ken was born September 28, 1923, in Atchison, Kansas to Elva and Charles Henry Brun, the eldest of three children. He spent his boyhood years selling and delivering newspapers and caddying at the local golf course, walking many miles before he was able to purchase his first bicycle. 

During high school Ken worked summers for his uncle in the mattress manufacturing business in Omaha. Upon graduating from Atchison High School in 1941, he moved to Omaha and then went to New York to study computer programming with IBM. Ken eventually became a partner with his uncle, moving back to Omaha and after the untimely death of his uncle, he bought the Stahn Mattress Company, and co-operated it with his father for several years. In 1968, after the death of his first wife, Blanche, he sold his business and moved to Chadron Nebraska, a place he had come to love through many hunting and fishing trips. 

 

He built, owned and operated the Brun's Highlander Center, a coin operated laundry mat and dry-cleaning business. Later, with his wife Dell, they also owned and operated Lariat Liquor and Brun's Car Wash. He was active in the community being a longtime member of the Elks Lodge, a founding member of the Ridgeview Golf Course, and a member of the Eagles Club in Crawford. He was an avid lifelong outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, bringing home many trophies. 

A favorite activity was the One Box Hunt in Broken Bow, NE. He enjoyed many friendships of business and pleasure, spending time playing golf, shooting pool and fishing whenever he could. After retirement, he and Dell traveled throughout the country, enjoying friends, family, and site seeing and the occasional casino. At home, he enjoyed his coin collecting and watching wildlife out the windows of their country home.

Wife- of 30 years, Dell Brun of Chadron, NE.

Sister- Carol Pierce of Atchison, KS.

Daughters- Christine and husband John Gavin of St. Mary's, GA; Joyce and husband Ron Kahle of Dorchester, NE.

Step-son- Rex and wife Lynette Nowlan of Gilbert, AZ.

 

Step-daughter- Sheila Nowlan of Chadron, NE.

Grandchildren- Crae Horse of Berkeley, CA; Ryan and wife Svetlana Kahle of Plattsmouth, NE; Erin Gavin of Charlotte, SC; Crystal Kahle of O'Neill, NE; Adam Kahle of Dorchester, NE; Lydia Kahle of Dorchester, NE; Noni Nowlan of Chadron, NE.

Great-Granddaughter- Sonya Kahle of Plattsmouth, NE.