John A. Preitauer

A Celebration of Life luncheon honoring John A. Preitauer will take place on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Stamford Community Building in Stamford, Nebraska. A private family memorial service with Military Honors will be held at the family farm, conducted by the Stamford American Legion Merlin Palmer Post #233 in collaboration with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

John Albert Preitauer, 81 years of age, of Stamford, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society – Colonial Villa in Alma, Nebraska. John was born on the farm near Gothenburg on December 31, 1943, the fourth of six children, born to Stanley and Ilah (Coster) Preitauer. He received his education from the country school near Gothenburg.

John was drafted during the Vietnam War. After basics, he was stationed in Germany for two years until he was honorably discharged.

On April 15, 1972, John was united in marriage to Freda Allen at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stamford. John adopted Freda's three children: Deb, Dean, and Dawna, and then had two children together: Dustin and Devin. The couple raised their family near Stamford, where John worked on the farm and ranched most of his life. The marriage later ended in divorce.

For over 20 years, John was a companion with Audrey Fuqua and helped raise her two daughters, Mishelle and Nicole.

John enjoyed riding horses, moving cattle, fishing, and gambling. The family went on many trips, but John never wanted to stop; he just kept driving.

He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Legion. He also helped lead the Bronco Busters 4-H club for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bill Preitauer; four sisters: Adelin Hess and her husband Clifford; Merna Sawle; Joyce Preitauer; and JoAnn Matthews; one granddaughter; and one great-grandson.

John is survived by his children: Dustin Preitauer and his wife, Tresadi; Devin Preitauer; Deb Wilson and her husband, Troy; Dean Preitauer and his wife, Ra; Dawna Bryant and her husband, JJ; Mishelle Wallander and her husband, Brad; and Nicole Robinson and her husband, Bill; ten grandchildren: Chas, Alecia, Nick, Brennan, Brecken, Cauy, Shady, Sonny, CJ, Shayla; several great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law: Dwight Sawle; and Jim Matthews; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

There will be no visitation or memorial book signing.

A memorial has been established in John'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 Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.