News : Vinton native dies in accident while returning home from mother\'s funeral

Ken Neve was killed in a car accident while returning home from the funeral for his mother, Rosie.

Tragedy has struck a Vinton family which was already mourning the loss of its matriarch.

Ken Neve was returning home from Vinton to Colorado, after the funeral of his mother, Rosie Neve, when he was killed in an accident on Saturday on Interstate 80 near North Platte, Neb. A SUV crossed the median and collided with Neve's sedan, killing him and injuring his wife, Deseire.

Neve, 55, was a member of the Vinton’s Washington High School Class of 1978. Like many members of the Neve family, he loved high school wrestling and was an assistant coach for the 1983 Waterloo East state championship team. He had lived for several years in Colorado, where he had been working for the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

“He was funny and easy to talk to, very caring,” said childhood friend Dixie Fank. “He was truly one of the good ones.”

Ken and his brother, Denny, were like “additional brothers,” said Fank.

Colorado DVR colleague Jen Medina echoed Fank’s words.

“He was the most positive, caring, funny guy in our whole building,” said Medina. “We are all heart-broken."

“Mr. Ken Neve changed my life – quite possibly saved my life,” says Mark Elliott, one of his mobility clients. “What he taught me (and countless others) allowed me greater freedom, safety in travel and the assurance that everything will be alright. His friendship was an added bonus. We had lots of great laughs together and shared stories of family. I am forever grateful that Ken's bright star passed through my life.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.