Gary W Yelken

Funeral Services for Gary W. Yelken will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Jan Gluth King and Pastor Gary Werling officiating. Following services, interment will be held at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Franklin County, Nebraska with military honors provided by the Franklin American Legion Post #209 in conjunction with the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Team.

Gary William Yelken, 82 years of age, of Gretna, Nebraska, formerly of Holdrege, passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on February 19, 1936, in the family home at Macon, Nebraska, to Garrett and Marie (Steinkruger) Yelken.  Gary was baptized and confirmed in the Macon Methodist Church.  He grew up in Macon, and received his primary education from School District #9. He attended Franklin High School, graduating with the class of 1953.  Gary worked various jobs after high school, until he entered the United States Air Force on December 21, 1956, and was honorably discharged December 20, 1962.  Upon returning home from the service, Gary was employed at Bostwick Irrigation and then, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, where he worked until his retirement on April 1, 1994.

On February 14, 1965, he was united in marriage to Marva Ann Fritson at the Zion Lutheran Church in Macon and they made their home in Franklin, later moving to Holdrege. In 1969, they were blessed with a daughter, Monica.  Gary was a faithful member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, where he served on church council, various committees, and sang in the church choir.  After moving to Gretna, they enjoyed attending the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, cheering on the Huskers, and most importantly, spending time with his family and friends. Two of his greatest passions were his three grandsons and his antique car collection; among them his first car, a 1926 Star.

Those left to cherish his memory; are his wife, Marva Ann of Gretna; his daughter, Monica Coldiron and her husband, Quinn of Gretna; three grandsons: Alex, Benjamin and Tye Coldiron; his brother, Dennis Yelken and his wife, Linda of Macon; his sister, Marilyn Herrick and husband, Richard of Franklin; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Albert and Hannah Fritson; and two sisters-in-law in infancy.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 5, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Gary'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