Alan M. Oldfather

Alan Murch Oldfather, 86, of Kearney died Friday, November 10, 2017. A graveside service will be at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29th at Kearney Cemetery with military rites provided by the Kearney American Legion Post #52, V.F.W. Post # 759 and the Nebraska National Guard Military Honors Team. . A Memorial service will then be held at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church located at 4511 6th Avenue, Kearney. A luncheon and life celebration will follow at the church. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Banker, businessman and community leader, Alan was born on June 9, 1931 to Harold and Marcia (Hazlett) Oldfather at Good Samaritan Hospital. A life long resident of Kearney, he graduated from Kearney High School in 1949 where he was president of his class and participated in football, baseball and track. An influential experience in Alan’s youth as a participant in the Nebraska Boy’s State leadership program contributed to his life long commitment to community. Alan pursued a degree in Business Administration at the University of Nebraska and was a member of the ROTC. Upon graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1953, Alan served in the Finance Corps of the Army at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, from 1953 to 1956. In the early 1960’s, Alan graduated from banking school in Wisconsin. Alan married his high school sweetheart, Frances Germaine Christensen in 1951 and, in 1956, they made their home in Kearney and raised three children. Alan’s finance career began at the Kearney Loan and Finance Company and he expanded his banking resume by spending over 35 years at the First National Bank of Kearney, including many years on the board of directors and as president. This bank is currently the Wells Fargo Bank, Kearney. Alan also enjoyed investing in numerous entrepreneurial enterprises including a media outlet, restaurants, commercial and residential real estate projects and start up businesses. Alan’s love and commitment to the Kearney area was evident in his desire to promote the success of its business community through numerous organizations including over 20 years on the Kearney Planning Commission, serving 17 years as Chairman. In 1963, he was president of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce at age 31. He participated in various Economic Development Committees for the Chamber including those that successfully advocated for the location of the Eaton Manufacturing plant and the Cabelas complex to Kearney. Alan’s commitment to local health and welfare issues lead him to serve on the Board of Directors of Good Samaritan Hospital. He was also a founding Board member of the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation. Alan was Trustee of the Ron and Carol Cope Foundation from 1992 to 2017. He also was a founding Director of the Kearney Area Community Foundation and served many years on its Board. As a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church, Alan served his faith as Sunday school teacher, Trustee, Elder and member of numerous Finance and Pastor Nominating Committees. Alan’s integrity, caring service and business acumen have left an inspirational legacy for many organizations and citizens of his community. A good day for Alan would have been fishing or hunting with friends, boating on Johnson Lake with his family or attending sporting events with his wife. Alan is survived by his beloved wife of over 66 years, Germaine; his three children, William A. Oldfather, Carol A. Troxel and Mary K. Egleston, daughter-in-law Julie (Fessler) Oldfather, son- in- law Ivan Troxel and his sister-in-law Diane Harris. Oldfather. He was a loving grandfather and role model to six grandchildren, Kellie Troxel, Tyler Troxel, Peter Oldfather, Andrea Troxel, Scott Egleston and Dana Egleston. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard H. Oldfather and Charles E. Oldfather; sister-in-law Janice Carter Oldfather and son in law Douglas L. Egleston. Special thanks to the staff of Country House Residence and to hospice services for the loving care he received. Memorial contribution to the Kearney Area Community Foundation, 412 W 48th Street, #12, Kearney, NE 68845, or the First Presbyterian Church, 4511 6th Avenue, Kearney NE 68845.

Tributes

Alan M. Oldfather

June 9, 1931 - November 10, 2017