John H. Daake

John H. Daake, age 79 of Kearney, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Kearney. Pastor Matt Fowler will officiate and burial will be at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kearney Public Library. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. John was born on July 16, 1946 in Kearney to Adolph Ernest and Bertha Isabel (Ball) Daake. He attended Amherst High School and graduated with the class of 1964. John later attended Kearney State College and earned a Bachelor's degree. John married Mary Gifford on December 29, 1970 in Kearney. Their marriage was blessed by a son, Adam. Mary was the love of his life. John enjoyed traveling with her and they visited China, Alaska and had taken several cruises. John later began a teaching and coaching career that would span many years. He coached wrestling at Amherst High School for 14 years during which time they won a state championship in 1978. John also started the Pee Wee Wrestling program in Amherst. He was later recognized for his accomplishments as both a coach and mentor when he was inducted into the Nebraska High School Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1999. After Mary's passing on May 27, 2014, John enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two granddaughters, Paige and Brooke. He continued to travel with his family, taking trips to Alaska and California. John also very much enjoyed attending his granddaughter's activities, including soccer, dance, gymnastics, and wrestling. John was so excited to have a granddaughter who wrestles and would give tips and advice. Surviving relatives include his son, Adam Daake and his wife Jennifer of Kearney and their two daughters, Paige and Brooke Daake, brother, Douglas Daake and his wife Karen of Kearney; brother-in-law, LaVern Riessland of Kearney; sister-in-law, Patricia Zwink and husband Randy of Gibbon, NE; and several other extended family members and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; brothers, Larry Daake, Dick Daake and his wife Dee; sister, Marlys Riessland.

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John H. Daake

July 16, 1946 - May 27, 2026