Thomas E. Lauby, 75, of Lexington, Nebraska passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024 at the Bethany Home in Minden.

He was born on January 20, 1949 in Lexington, Nebraska to Clinton W. and Eileen (Thinnes) Lauby. Tom attended public schools in Lexington and graduated from St. Ann’s Catholic High School with the class of 1967. 

Following High School, Tom lived in Lexington and worked at several meat packing plants, which included Excel, Cornland Dress Beef, IBP now Tyson before retiring. 

He was united in marriage to Marie Ann Reed on April 23, 1976, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington. Tom lovingly raised Marie’s two daughters, Shannalee and Holly.

Tom’s family was everything to him.  He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tom was a good man and loved by his family. He never judged anyone and had a heart of gold. 

Tom was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington.

Survivors include his two daughters, Shannalee Ahrens of Lexington and Holly (Darrell) Nevels of Katy, Texas; nine grandchildren, Tamina Daake of Kearney, Niko (Felicia) Ahrens of Kearney, Jose (Alexandria) Acosta of Kearney, Luis (Diana) Acosta of Lexington, Sonni Martin of Lexington, Rhianna Martin of Lexington, Ciara Martin of Lexington, Josue Valdez of Katy, Texas and Lilyann Miles of Katy, Texas; ten great-grandchildren, Kirah, Nolen, Arkin, Willow, Adriana, Nyelli, Evalina, Amya, Niko, Jr., and Liliana; siblings, Gerald W. Lauby of Genoa, Ronald (Linda Elllingson) Lauby of Oconto, E. Nick (Pam) Lauby of Lexington, Richard (Kathy) Lauby of Kingston, Utah, John (Pam) Lauby of Las Vegas, Nevada, Mary Lou (Mark) Hueftle of Lincoln, Elizabeth “Liz” (Richard) Cooney of Overton, Patrick Lauby of Lexington and William “Bill” Lauby of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; brother-in-law, Leroy (Nancy) Mooney of Muir, Michigan and Marian Minsey of Greenville, Michigan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marie; infant brother; son-in-law, Justin Martin; grandson, Jorge Torres and nephew, Johnny Lauby.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez, officiating. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. all at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Burial will be in the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery at Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington to offset funeral expenses.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Date Posted: 2015-02-26

Kenneth E. Kjar, 65, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2015, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington. It was Ken’s wishes his body be donated to the Anatomical Board of the State of Nebraska - University Medical Center. Those wishes have been completed.

Ken was born October 7, 1949, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Carl J. and Leona (Gillen) Kjar. He attended school at Lexington and graduated from St. Ann’s Catholic High School with the class of 1967. He then went on to further his education at the University of Nebraska.

Ken was united in marriage to Wanda Phillips on August 16, 1970, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington. Three sons were born to this marriage; Brandon, Bradley and Brett. The marriage ended in divorce after 17 years.

Ken continued to farm the home place and would eventually move to Ainsworth, where he worked for the John Deere Dealership for 10 years.

A stroke forced him to return to Lexington, along with other health issues, and he spent his last six years at Plum Creek Healthcare Community. He had many interests throughout his life; most especially, his love for his sons and grandchildren.

He was a gifted athlete and played fast pitch softball as a younger man. He enjoyed watching his sons play sports as each one of them played for the UNK Loper football team.

Kenny was interested in all facets regarding WWII, and spent many hours reading and studying the subject.

He loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and watching John Wayne movies. We can never forget his love for his NY Yankees, Green Bay Packers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

He could spend countless hours visiting with anyone and was a wonderful story-teller. He had a sense of humor no one could match and a zest for life that was cut way too short.

Survivors include his sons; Brandon (Carrie) Kjar of Lexington, Nebraska, Bradley (Heidi) Kjar of Ankeny, Iowa, and Brett (Jessica) Kjar of Elkorn, Nebraska; brother, Dean (Pam) Kjar of Wood River, Nebraska; three sisters, Kathy (Dave) Hofferber of Lexington, Nebraska, Sherry (Terry) Christensen of Clifton, Colorado, and Jan (Bill) Jacquot of Loveland, Colorado; five grandchildren, Conlan, Toran, Kaleb, Cooper and Ruby; as well as extended family and many friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Rollie. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Father Jorge Canela and Sister Mary Ann Flax officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Heartland Military Museum.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.