Michael E. Douthit

A Celebration of Life for Michael E. Douthit will be held on June 6, 2026 from 1:00p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Michael's Home (12260 739 Road, Funk, Ne. 68940) with Military Honors provided by the American Legion in conjunction with the United States Navy Funeral Honors Team at 4:00 p.m.

Michael Edwin Douthit, 74, of Funk, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney, Nebraska. Michael was born in St. Paul, Nebraska, on June 14, 1951, the oldest of two sons, born to Edwin and Shirley (Morrow) Douthit. He graduated from Cedar Rapids High School in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, in 1969.

On December 13, 1971, Mike enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Tautog SSN 639 Submarine, where he maintained the oxygen providing equipment onboard. He was honorably discharged on December 1, 1975.

Following his discharge, Mike started working forklift maintenance at Eaton in Kearney. He was the leading man on infrared technology, which helped him seek out hot spots in the equipment he maintained. Mike took early retirement from Eaton and started delivering mail for the USPS in Holdrege as a rural mail carrier, retiring in December of 2018.

Mike enjoyed riding and tinkering with his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, shooting his guns, and enjoying life in the country, his own personal paradise. He also enjoyed time spent with his entertaining cat, Tuffy.

In July of 2022, Mike was diagnosed with ALS. The care he received before and after he was diagnosed was some of the best. The family would like to share a special thanks to all the caregivers who helped care for Mike throughout the years, especially Lisa Skaggs, Donna Ehrenberg, and Sierra Harrison.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Shirley Douthit; one-of-a-kind uncle, Theron "Unk" Morrow; and his loyal dog, George.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Harleena Vocasek and her husband, Mike and twin grandsons, Leeson and Maxwell of Lincoln, Nebraska; son, Shawn Novacek and grandson, Bennett Novacek of Cedar Rapids, Nebraska; brother, Jerry Douthit and his wife, Sue of Berthoud, Colorado; as well as two nephews, one niece and their spouses; three great-nephews, three great-nieces and their spouses; three great-great nieces; and friends.

There will be no visitation or memorial book signing. The family is honoring Mike's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in 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.