Harlan Zentner, 99, of Shubert, NE, passed away February 25, 2021 at his home. He was born April 24, 1921 to August and Amelia (Fehr) Zentner at Shubert, NE. He graduated from Shubert High school in 1939. In 1941 he started working for Vega Aircraft Co in Burbank, California. In 1944 he joined the U.S. Navy. He received his discharge in July of 1946, and returned to Shubert to farm with his father.
On November 8, 1947, Harlan married Esther Wollenburg at Trinity Lutheran Church of rural DeWitt, NE. He and Esther continued to farm and run a small dairy. He semi-retired in 2000, still helping sons Lee and Jim with the farm work. He milked cows for 80+ years. With the exception of his time in California and the Navy, he lived his entire life in the same house he was born in.
Harlan was a lifelong member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church and held several offices in the church. He served on District 88 school board, two terms on Southeast Consolidated school board, was a 4-H leader and served on the Richardson County extension board. He and Esther enjoyed playing cards, going to football games and traveling, taking several bus trips in their later years. Harlan loved to tell stories and his memory of people and places was sharp up until the end.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Esther after 71 years of marriage. He is survived by his children James (Eileen) Zentner, Janet Toomsen and Lee Zentner all of Shubert, his grandchildren Cole (Catrina) Zentner of rural Verdon, Seth (Laurel) Zentner of rural Johnson, Matthew (Becky) Toomsen of Omaha, and Erin (Lucas) Keppy of Davenport, Iowa, nine great-grandchildren: Colt, Cale and Cy Zentner, Wesley, Levi and Harris Zentner, Andrew and Abbie Toomsen and Luci Keppy. Also survived by his sisters, Lenora Wyre of Independence, MO, and Phyllis Hopkins of Olathe, KS. Brother in law Richard (Alice) Wollenburg of DeWitt, and Sisters in law Elaine Bevington of Derby KS, Arlene Blobaum of Beatrice and MaryAnn Niemeyer of Lincoln, and several nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 10:30 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Church, north of Falls City, with Reverend Daniel GIfford officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Military graveside honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard.
Masks required.
The funeral will be livestreamed on Dorr and Clark Funeral Home’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dorrandclarkfuneralhome
The family will receive friends on Monday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
