Kenneth Eugene Holland, Sr., a lifelong resident of Lincoln, passed away at the age of 94 on September 1, 2014. Ken was born on January 9, 1920 in Lincoln, the third of four children. His father, Robert E. Holland Sr., was a graduate of the University of Nebraska and later became a faculty member at the College of Agriculture. His mother, Susan (Brodball) Holland, was a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Ken had three siblings, who have preceded him in death: Mildred (Holland) Alloway, Robert Holland, Jr., and David Holland.
Upon graduation from Jackson High School in 1937, Ken attended the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) where he was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity. He graduated from the College of Dentistry in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a captain in the Dental Corp of the 130th Station Hospital in England, France and Germany. It was there that he met his wife, Naomi (Wagner), a U.S. Army nurse from Bucyrus, Ohio. At the conclusion of the war, they were married in Heidelberg, Germany before returning to Lincoln.
Ken started his private orthodontic practice in 1947 and, along with several partners, built a thriving practice in Lincoln and Columbus, until his retirement in 1989. He always loved being in the ‘smile’ business. Ken also was a part-time faculty of the University of Nebraska-College of Dentistry, serving for a number of years as the chair of the orthodontic program. He continued to teach classes after his retirement and was honored by the University for his 55+ years of service. The NU Foundation established library fund to honor Ken and his colleague, Dr. Les Erickson, for their contributions to dental and orthodontic education. Ken was also active in his professional organizations, serving as president of both the Lincoln Dental Society and the Mid-West Society of Orthodontics.
As a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, Ken was involved in many aspects of church leadership. He served as both an Elder and Deacon of the church and was active in the Presbyterian Synod of Lakes and Prairies. In the 1950’s and 60’s, he was the Scoutmaster for the church’s Boy Scout Troop, and in the 1990’s, he even joined the church choir.
Ken felt that the strength of a community was built on the commitment of its volunteers, and was an active member of a number of local and statewide civic organizations.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Naomi, who passed away in 1989. Family members include his children, Jane Holland Carney, (CA), Kenneth Holland, Jr.(AZ) and John (Carole) Holland; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life Service to be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00 am, First Presbyterian Church, 17th & F, Lincoln with Rev. Dr. Nancy A. DeVries officiating.
Memorial gifts to First Presbyterian Church or The Dr. Kenneth E. Holland, Sr. and Dr. Leslie C. Erickson Library Fund, UNMC College of Dentistry.