James Joseph Petsche

Celebration of life for Jim Petsche age 64 of Neligh were 10:30 am , Friday, May 16, 2014 at the Church of Christ in Neligh with Pastor Bob Dainton, Officiating. Music was provided by Steve Johnson. Burial was in Laurel Hill cemetery in Neligh. Pallbearers were Darrin Kiger, Kelly Kosek, Jim Blackburn, Tom Boggs, Kevin Irish, Jay Petsche, and Dylan Petsche. Honorary Pallbearers were Jim Wiebelhause, Les Ridder, John Torseth, Jerome Bahm, Harlan Frazier, and Daryl Rodgers. Visitation was Thursday, May 15, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Beyer-Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh. Jim passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at the Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS the family suggests memorials to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. James Joseph Petsche was born on June 12, 1949 and passed away peacefully after battling multiple sclerosis for more than 25 years. Jim was born to Elnora (Sesler) and Henry Petsche at the Tilden Hospital. He grew up on the farm near Raeville, NE. Jim attended grade school at St. John Berchmans at Raeville through the 8th grade and graduated for Petersburg High School in 1967. Jim then attended UNL and Norfolk Junior College. On April 25, 1970, Jim married Karen Irish in Norfolk, NE. Shortly after marriage they moved to Neligh where they spent their married life. Jim worked for Kluthe Flying Service as a spray pilot and then at Blackburn Manufacturing for 25 years. He retired due to health reasons and spent the remainder of his life enjoying family, grandchildren, Nascar, Husker Football/Volleyball, and watching his special companions, Mr. Mittens and Jonah. Jim and Karen were blessed with 4 children: Melissa and Darrin Kiger of Fremont, NE; Jay and Denise Petsche of Lonsdale, MN; Jenna Petsche of Omaha, NE; 3 grandchildren, Emma Kiger and Dylan and Kaitlyn Petsche. Also, survived by a sister, Kathleen Gray of Omaha, NE, Brothers, Bill Petsche and Joyce Cameron of Neligh, NE, Ron and Lori Petsche of Norfolk, NE, and Mark Petsche of North Branch, MN. Along with, several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, Dean Irish; mother-in-law, Irol Hoffman; infant son, Trevan James. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.snidermemorialfh.com