James Alan Lugenbeel

James A. Lugenbeel was born on February 12, 1957, in Fairbury, Nebraska and departed his life on October 12, 2023, at Jefferson County Health and Life Hospital in Fairbury, Nebraska. He was born to James O. Lugenbeel and Winifred Jean Harper Lugenbeel. James grew up in Fairbury and attended school thru 9th grade. He joined the Army for a couple years and later went on to get his GED.

On February 11, 1978, he was united in marriage to Sharon K. Lichty. To this union there were 3 daughters, Lynn Marie, Bobbi Jo and Terri Lee. And 1 son Jesse Aaron. From a previous relationship he had a son Lonnie Kolar. He loved his children and grandchildren very much and would do anything for them. Jim enjoyed time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, family, and friends. He also enjoyed his dog Bambi, going camping, fishing, and tinkering on things. His family would often turn to him when they needed something fixed. He was known for his sense of humor and having a smile.

Jim was a hard worker no matter where he worked over the years. Some of his many jobs over the years were working in Hebron at the Blue Valley Care Home, Endicott Clay Products, moving houses for Ball & Son, he drove trucks for a few trucking companies, being a custodian at the school in Hebron, Metal-Tech in Bruning, Ace Hardware in Fairbury and a few other places. He finished out his working career working part-time at Fairbury Gardens just like his dad and being retired. He always took pride in his jobs and enjoyed all the people he met. Wherever we went he would talk to someone, and you would ask him who that was, and he would respond with “oh, I worked with them at such and such places.”

He is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years Sharon Lichty Lugenbeel, parents, James O. and Nina Lugenbeel, Winifred Jean Lugenbeel. Sister Patricia Urich. Sister-in-law Tammi Davis. Brother-in-laws Mick McDaniel, Wayne Zoch and Gilbert Beadle. Mother and father-in-law Floyd and Twila Lichty. Brother-in-law, Kenny Lichty.

Jim is survived by his dog Bambi. His significant other Linda Poynter. His children, Lynn M. Stout and husband Steve, Bobbi J. Myers and husband Brandon, Terri L. Roelfs and husband William, Jesse A. Lugenbeel, Lonnie L. Kolar. Grandchildren Chelsi Parker and fiancé Alfred Davis, Joshua Ortgies and significant other Jordan White, Destanie Quiring and significant other Garrett Pracheil, Kevin Quiring, Jr. and significant other Emilee Aldrich, Garrett Roelfs, Cassidy Roelfs, KaLee Ortgies, Paisley Lugenbeel, Addie Ortgies, and Triton Myers. Great-grandchildren Kylah and Kyson White. Sisters, Sheryl McDaniel-Beadle, Rene’ Scheer and significant other Dave Summers, Sheri Zoch and significant other Randy Hoadley, Donna Stansberry and husband Richard, Lori Cary, and husband Jimmy. Brothers Kevin Lugenbeel and wife Kelly, Kelly Davis and wife Sandie, Chris Davis and wife Katie, John Davis and significant other Cheryl Scheele. Sister-in laws, Kathy and husband Jeff Smith, Diane Rollen, and husband Keith of Grand Island. Brother-in-laws, Doug Lichty and wife Debbie, Jeff Lichty and significant other Leta Mau.

Services will be October 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home with burial following in Fairbury Cemetery. Dress casual.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Veterans Memorial Wall in the Fairbury City Park. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com