In Memory Of Kenny Nield

If you have ever met Ken and Patti Nield, you know that they are a wonderful, loving couple who were always the first to help anybody whenever they needed anything.  Kenneth Rex “Kenny” Nield passed away suddenly on April 12, 2017.  Ken and Patti own and operate a daycare out of their home, in which they have done for the past 38 years.  Due to the sudden and unexpected loss of Kenny, Patti has been left with one income, expenses for a funeral and burial, and other costs associated with losing a spouse of 41 years.  Patti and Kenny were never ones to ask for help, but instead, have always helped others.  Patti is so grateful and thankful for the prayers, thoughts and help that she has been shown in the last week. 

Kenny was a well loved man by family, friends, and hundreds of daycare children whom he has cared for or walked home from school.  Many people have asked for a way they can help Patti with the sudden loss of Kenny, I thought this would be a great way to help take some of the financial burden off of Patti, while she takes the time to mourn the loss of her husband.  Kenny will always be remembered as a wonderful man-a funny, loveable, selfless-father, husband, bumpa, uncle, cousin, friend, and caretaker.  Please continue to pray for Patti and her family on the loss of Kenny, he will never be forgotten.  Please feel free to share this with friends and family.  Thank you!

MISSOULA – Our beloved Husband, Father, Bumpa, Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Rex Nield returned to his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. 

Kenny was born June 1, 1957 in Anaheim, California to Leonard Rex and Margaret Beverly Toone Nield, whom he looked up to and loved dearly. Soon after, his family moved to the Bitterroot for a short time before settling in Missoula where he spent the rest of this life. Kenny attended Cold Springs, Meadow Hill, and graduated from Sentinel High School in 1975. His cute freckled face and his joking ways got him out of a lot of trouble throughout the years. He would share stories from his youth about Scouting (where he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout), playing church basketball, riding his motorcycle, and working for his dad at Rex’s Building Materials. His most cherished memories, however, involved camping and going to the lake with his family.

Kenny married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Susan Bray, on April 3, 1976. They were later sealed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) Temple in Idaho Falls on Nov. 28, 1980. Together, they raised three daughters whom he adored and would do anything for. Today, he is known as ‘Bumpa’ to his nine grandsons and two granddaughters. He loved supporting the grandchildren in any activity they were involved in. 

 
Kenny was a life-long member of the LDS Church. He served in a variety of callings but had a special place in his heart for the many years he spent serving as a Ward Clerk. He was an example of our Savior’s love to all those he came in contact with. 

Kenny worked for the United States Postal Service for almost 40 years before retiring in 2016. He took great pride in his work. He was known for how fast he could sort the mail. He also helped Patti with their in-home daycare for 38 years, where they loved and cared for hundreds of children. 

He was an avid water-skier, skiing any chance he could, no matter the conditions. He spent hours teaching others not to be ‘landlovers’. Being at the lake brought him great happiness. There were few summer weekends not spent at the lake. This last year, he and Patti fulfilled a life-long dream of owning a cabin at Seeley Lake, where they spent countless hours making it their own.

Kenny enjoyed going on vacation, playing cribbage, working in the yard, celebrating holidays, playing cards with friends, helping others, joking, popcorn, fixing things, anything that involved spending time with family, and his elaborate Christmas displays that were enjoyed by many throughout the years.

Kenny was the most amazing person and was a true example of love and kindness to all. He was always offering a helping hand to anyone in need. As his family, we thank him for all that he did for us, without hesitation, throughout our lives. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Patti; his three daughters Mykell (Rob) Wallace, Stephanie (Josh) Rollins, Traci (Joe) Fulford; grandchildren Brayden, Kade, and Kipten Wallace, Byron, Madison, Dylan, and William Jace Rollins, MaKenna, Mason, Brock, and Tanner Fulford; siblings Cathy (Davie) Swensen, Laurie (Blair) Dance, Les (Mary Lou) Nield, Tana (Bruce) Pratt, mother-in-law Jean Bray; Patti’s sibilings and spouses, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and all the children he and Patti cared for over the years. 

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents Rex and Bev Nield; two infant brothers; father-in-law Roy Bray; and all of his grandparents.