Jack DeWayne Nerud - Obituary

Jack DeWayne Nerud, 85, of Oshkosh, passed away Tuesday morning, September 6, 2016 at the Regional West Garden County Nursing Home.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Oshkosh with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Burial will follow in the Ash Hollow Cemetery near Lewellen.

Memorials may be made to the Oshkosh Fire Department or the RWGC Nursing home.

Holechek Funeral Home and Cremations of Oshkosh is serving the Nerud family.

Family and friends may sign the guest book and leave condolences online at http://www.holechekfuneralhomes.com.

Jack DeWayne Nerud was born on June 21, 1931 to Frank and Alice (Mowry) Nerud in Scottsbluff, NE. Jack attended school in Minatare and Bayard, graduating in 1949 from Bayard High, where he excelled in scholastics and football. There he met the love of his life, Barbara Jeanne Morris. They were married on August 27, 1950. Jack and Barb enjoyed 62 years of married life.

Jack attended Kemper Military School in Booneville, MO after high school then returned to Bayard where he worked on the family ranch. Jack obtained his Nebraska Real Estate License in 1958. Jack and Barb moved to Oshkosh in 1959 when they purchased an insurance agency. Jack was a licensed insurance agent, real estate broker and appraiser. In the early 60's, Jack started his real estate company, Jack Nerud Realty, which still serves Garden County today.

Jack became involved in the community of Oshkosh. He was a tireless volunteer and dedicated his adult life to the betterment of the community. Jack was a member of the Jaycees, Eagles Club, Elk's Club and a volunteer fire fighter. He was a charter member of the Oshkosh Country Club. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce, serving several terms as president. He was a board member of the GC Growth and Development and Economic Development, helping the community to bring in new businesses and promoting our community. Jack served as Mayor of Oshkosh for 12 years, making positive changes for Oshkosh. He served on the Panhandle Resource Conservation & Development board and was on the board of directors for Panhandle Area Development District. He served as Chairman of the Choir Practice Club, (no one can sing yet, but they are still trying). He was active in State Politics, earning Admiral of the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska. His passion was promoting Garden County, and that entailed the Highway 26 Association where he served diligently as 'Trail Boss' for over 20 years, earning him the distinctive Henry Fonda Award. Jack enjoyed flying his Piper Cub, especially to Big Red Football games. Jack was a member of St. George's Episcopal Church in Oshkosh and was one of the original founders of the church.

Jack was a loving husband, father and friend. He is survived by his four daughters, Kim (Dan) Matthews of Tonto Basin, AZ, Karen (Ed) Wamsley of Lincoln, NE, Kristy Nerud of Oshkosh, NE and Kathy Nerud of Oakland, CA; Grandchildren Jodi (Henry) Schuff of Oshkosh, Jen (Ty) Gray of Phoenix, AZ, Jared (Jaime) Bell of Solon, IA, Matt (Jen) Ormiston, of Lincoln, NE, Kylee Bell of Oshkosh, NE and Nicolette Abbondandelo of North Liberty, IA; Great-grandchildren Henry (Megan) Schuff V, Kaylee, Jackson and Jorilyn Bell, Paisley and Pearl Ormiston and Kashtyn LeJeune.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara, his parents and siblings.