Ken J. Merchant

Kenneth J. "Ken" Merchant, 59, of Omaha, NE passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 23, 2016 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, NE with Father David Fulton officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M., with the family present at 6:00 P.M. and a prayer service at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE.Ken was born on April 5, 1957 in Sioux City, IA, the son of Donald "Tim" and Janet (Hall) Merchant. He grew up in South Sioux City and graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1975. He obtained his degree in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in Omaha, and also earned degrees in Business and Photography. He lived and worked in Colorado Springs, CO. Ken married Becky Vivion in Castle Rock, CO on November 23, 1990. In 1992 the couple moved to South Sioux City, then moved to Omaha in 1993.He loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and was a Chapter Officer for the Hog Club. He also enjoyed camping, traveling, snow skiing, computers, photography and music. Ken had two books published. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus and was lovingly known by his nieces and nephews as "Kenny Claus".Survivors include his wife, Becky Merchant; stepson, Jeremiah Slagter; step-grandchildren, Tyler Slagter and Kylia Slagter; his mother, Janet Merchant; sister, Kathy (Dave) Schable; brother, Rick (Deb) Merchant; sister-in-law, Joyce Merchant; sisters, Barbara (Rami) Mawlawi, Jo Marie (Lee) Madson and Nancy Schambach; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father, Tim Merchant; stepson, Nicolas Slagter; grandparents, Joseph and Florence Hall and Edward and Mayme Merchant; and a brother, Tom Merchant.