Annual Banquet: Ken Kunce, Wall of Fame

Tuesday, February 07, 2023

Main News Photo

The late Ken Kunce was an extraordinary entrepreneur, pharmacist, and business owner for four decades in Falls City. In 1976, Ken purchased Shestak Drug in Falls City and renamed it Ken’s Pharmacy; a welcoming environment for daily coffee drinkers and downtown lunch crowd that once included a JC Penny’s Catalog store and Radio Shack. Ken was President of the Nebraska Pharmaceutical Association, recognized as the National Retail Pharmacist of the Year, and later recognized with the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia award in 2007. He retired from Ken’s Pharmacy in 1998, but unretired when he started Falls City Pharmacy in 2004, retiring again in 2008.

Ken created the Hot Air Balloon Festival in the 1980s and masterminded Falls City’s distinction as the Hot Air Balloon Capital of Nebraska. He was instrumental in leading the fundraising charge to build the Falls City Library and Arts Center, was Grand Marshall of the 2014 Cobblestone Parade, and organized community services for seniors like the Handi-Van and Meals on Wheels. Ken was an active Chamber of Commerce leader, member of the Elks Club, devout Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church parishioner, Knights of Columbus member, and was a lieutenant and captain during two separate commissions in the Army. Ken Kunce selflessly organized events to bring people together and energetically promoted Falls City to maximize its potential.

Category: News