Gary Mike Hubbard

A Memorial Mass for Gary Mike Hubbard will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney, Nebraska with Father Neal Hock and Father Jose Chavez as Concelebrants.  A private family inurnment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Elm Creek, Nebraska at a later date.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services and Gatherings will be followed.  The Hubbard family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Gary Mike's Services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.

Gary Mike Hubbard, 65 years of age, of Elm Creek, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at his home south of Elm Creek, surrounded by his family.  Gary Mike was born December 17, 1954, at Kearney, the eldest of thirteen children to Gary Lee and Shirley Margaret (Moles) Hubbard.  Gary Mike received his education from Elm Creek Public Schools, graduating from Elm Creek High School with the class of 1973.

On December 16, 1988, he was united in marriage to Marian Donovan of Greeley, Nebraska at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek. The couple were blessed with three children: Noah, Olivia, and Gabriel. Gary Mike and Marian made their home on a farm south of Elm Creek. Gary Mike was a lifelong farmer, who was taught the meaning of hard work from his grandpa, Harold Moles.

Gary Mike battled cancer six times for over 36 years, and was a true example of working until the job was done.  He didn't have a bucket list, he had a chore list. He took pride in taking care of his land and the environment.  Gary Mike was an avid outdoorsmen and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He loved playing basketball, and continued to play until December of 2019.  His fondest memories were those spent on the basketball court while being coached by, now friend, Emmit Bosshamer. His proudest aspect of his life were his kids, and his granddaughter, Steelie Faye, who was affectionately called "Faye Faye" by her "PaPa."

He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek, where he served in many capacities including on the parish council throughout the years.  In addition, he also served on the Elm Creek Rural Fire District #7 from 2002 to 2019.  Gary Mike was a lifelong 4-H member and enjoyed coaching many of his kid's teams throughout the years.

Gary Mike leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Marian of Elm Creek; children: Noah of Elm Creek; Olivia and her husband, Devon (Kevon) of Elm Creek; and Gabriel of Omaha; granddaughter, Steelie; his mother, Shirley Hubbard of Elm Creek.  In addition, Gary Mike is survived by his siblings:  Jeff Hubbard and his wife, Lana of Elm Creek; Dawn Schneider and her husband, Dennis of O'Neill, Nebraska; Lisa Marshall and her husband, Larry of Bertrand, Nebraska; Tia Van Matre and her husband, Todd of Gibbon, Nebraska; Shawn Hubbard of Dickens, Nebraska; Harold Hubbard and his wife, Darla of Elm Creek; Neal Hubbard and his wife, Tracy of Elm Creek; Heather Anderson of Kearney; April Hubbard of Elm Creek; Anastasia Benson and her husband, Craig of Mooresville, North Carolina; and Tara McCormick and her husband, John of Andover, Massachusetts; 147 nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by; his father, Gary Lee Hubbard; grandparents: Harold and Avis Moles; and Morace and Carmell Hubbard; infant sister, Carol Margaret Hubbard; infant nephew, John Paul Hubbard; nephew, Tyson Hubbard; niece, Aubree Hubbard; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Bernard and Mary Alice Donovan.

Memorial book signing will be held at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney on Monday, July 6, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Vigil held at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials have been established in Gary Mike's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com .

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.