Kenneth L. Kania "Double K" (62) of Effingham

Kenneth L. Kania, “Double K”, 62, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at his home.  Kenneth was born on October 16, 1962 in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Kenneth was an over the road truck driver for Hetzel’s Overland Trucking for nearly 25 years.  He loved the adventure of visiting new places, and his favorite places to travel were Oregon and Washington State.  He loved Harley Davidson motorcycles, muscle cars, guitars, guns, and heckling the truck drivers on the road.  He was a genuine father and friend with a “no nonsense allowed” attitude.  His ornery smile, quick humor, and hearty laughter brightened one’s soul from his family and friends to strangers he met trucking.     

Kenneth is survived by his two loving daughters, Kelsea Beckman (Bryan) and Samantha Colnar (Justin); his mother, Georgann Muskin; sister, Karen Kania-Forehand (Tim); the mother of his children, Fran Buenker; stepdaughter, Cierra Helmbacher; step-grandchildren, Sadie, Amelia, Donavon, and Ezekial; and four nieces and one nephew.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Kania and his step-father, Donald Muskin. 

In honor of Double K, there will be a memorial truck ride on Saturday, November 16, 2024.  Trucks, motorcycles, jeeps, muscle cars, and cars are welcome.  The line-up will begin at 2:00 P.M. at Hetzel’s Overland Trucking, 304 Airport Road.  A memorial gathering with dinner will take place at Danny’s Bar and Grill on US 45 in a Effingham, Illinois, beginning at 5:00 P.M. 

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Association for liver cancer research.  Online condolences may be shared by clicking here .

Until next time, Kenny would say,

Walkin’ the dog

Kickn’ the cat

Drivin’ this truck

Is where it’s at.