A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Jeff Nantkes will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethel Lutheran Church with Pastor Daren Popple officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery, Holdrege.
The service will be live-streamed via the Bethel Lutheran Church Facebook page.
Jeffrey Lee Nantkes, 66, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at his home in Holdrege surrounded by his family. He was born on January 3, 1958, in Holdrege, the youngest of three children born to Robert “Bob” and Norma (Saalfeld) Nantkes. Jeff was baptized as a child and later confirmed at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege. He attended Holdrege Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1976. He pursued higher education from Central Community College in Hastings, Nebraska. Following his schooling, Jeff began his career at Allmand Brothers Inc. in Holdrege.
On August 18, 1979, Jeff was united in marriage to Kathryn Englund of Holdrege at Bethel Lutheran Church. The couple were blessed with two children: Neleigh and Dustin. The family made their home in Holdrege, where Jeff continued his 45-year career at Allmand Brothers, Inc., until his retirement in 2023. Jeff and Kathy remained close and supportive to each other and their families, after their marriage ended.
Jeff lived a life that was dedicated to serving his community. He was a proud member of the Holdrege Volunteer Fire Department for 45 years. During this time, he chaired multiple department committees, served as Assistant Unit Captain for 23 years, as well as the Department Treasurer for 17 years. Additionally, he maintained his EMT license for 42 years. His involvement and service to the Fire Department was very important and he was very proud to serve alongside his son, Dustin. Jeff also served on the Holdrege City Council for 24 years. He enjoyed volunteering and assisting with many community events such as Swedish Days, Ribfest, and the Phelps County Fair. He never hesitated to help those in need, in fact, he enjoyed it!
Outside of public service, Jeff enjoyed spending his time cruising in his cars, riding his Harley and being around his favorite dogs. He was often found helping his kids with various projects as he seemed to know how to do just about anything and everything! He loved following the Huskers, especially Husker Volleyball and was known for his ability to negotiate a great deal on just about anything.
Above all else, Jeff loved his family. He was a devoted father and the best papa. He spent many years following his kids from one event to another, and later in life, loved doing the same for his granddaughters. He loved a good prank, especially those involving family members. His fun, ornery personality was especially on display when around his granddaughters. He was loved dearly and appreciated greatly.
Besides his parents, Jeff was proceeded in death by his sister, Roberta “Bobbie” Johnson and her husband, David; father-in-law, LaVern Englund; and sister-in-law, Carla Englund.
Jeff leaves to celebrate his life, his children: Neleigh Weinert and her husband, Dan of Eldridge, Iowa; and Dustin Nantkes and his wife, Aubri of Holdrege; two granddaughters: Eisley and Haydn Weinert; life-long friend, Kathy Nantkes of Holdrege; brother, Steve Nantkes and Ramona Hernandez of Omaha, Nebraska; in-laws, LaDonna and Max Weismann of Holdrege; sister-in-law, Becky Anderson and her husband, Melvin of Minden, Nebraska; brothers-in-law: Terry Englund of Grand Island, Nebraska; and Steve Englund and his wife, Jeanette of Kearney, Nebraska. Also survived by Jeff’s nieces and nephews: Pat, Brad, Laura, Mike, Kendra, Sara, Brady, Nicole and their families; Kathy’s nieces and nephews: Andrea, Tyler, Danielle, Chelsie, Travis, Josh, Emily and their families; along with many extended family members and friends.
There will not be a memorial book signing, visitation, or viewing the evening prior to the service. The family has honored his wish for cremation.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the family to designate a memorial for Jeff’s passion to serve others.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.
