On March 7th, 2025 Wilbur “Will” Duane Last of Shubert, NE passed away in his farm home at 90 years old. Born on September 4th, 1934 Wilbur experienced nearly a century of life.
Wilbur Last was best known as an arborist who loved sharing his knowledge of trees and plants. He worked as a tree trimmer in Falls City, NE and the surrounding counties. Wilbur took pride in tackling the most difficult of tree jobs. There wasn’t a tree too high or a branch too big for him. Family and friends remember Wilbur as a teacher who always had a lesson or story to tell. He enjoyed visiting with everyone and traveling to new places to meet new people. When not outdoors or socializing, Wilbur dedicated himself to reading and writing in pursuit of a lifelong education.
At 19, Wilbur was drafted into the Korean War as a military paratrooper. While stationed in Alaska, his daredevil spirit brought an official request to try out for the US Olympic cross country ski team and he ranked in the top 20%. After the military, Wilbur attended the Apostolic Bible Institute in Minneapolis, MN where he met his wife, Irma Baer. They were married August 31, 1957 at Superior, WI and celebrated 65 years together. Both were lifelong members of the United Pentecostal Apostolic Church.
Wilbur will be deeply missed by family and friends who will forever cherish the memories of his adventurous spirit. Between the tree limbs and the stars, the man spent his life looking up into the heavens.
Wilbur is survived by his children, Tamara (Kevin) Fletcher of St. Joseph, MO, Mike (Toni) Last of Flippin, AR and Amber Last of Stella, NE, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, one sister Yolanda (Steve) Jelinek of Emory, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert Last and Lena May Conover, his wife Irma Last, daughter Vicki O’Neal, brothers Paul Last, Dennis Last and Merlin Last, and his sister Neloma Mahowski.
Visitation is Wednesday, March 12th 5-7 p.m at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. The graveside service is at Harris Cemetery Barada, NE, Thursday at 2 p.m.
Cards may be mailed to the family at 71965 652nd Ave Shubert NE, 68437. In lieu of flowers the family prefers you make a donation to have a tree be planted in memory of Wilbur Last.
