Art Olmer, 92, of Humphrey, Nebraska, died Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society - Grand Island Village, Grand Island, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2023, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey, Nebraska, with Fr. Eric Olsen and Fr. Vernon Olmer concelebrating the Mass. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a vigil service at 7:00 PM, all at the church. Visitation will continue Friday from 1:00 PM until the service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Francis Catholic Church, American Legion, or the Humphrey Rescue Unit.

Art was born December 30th, 1930, in Humphrey to John and Stella (Eisenmenger) Olmer. Art attended school at St. Francis and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1948. Art was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany until 1954. Upon return, Art returned to the family farm and continued to farm until retirement. Art was well known for milking his Holstein cows.

On August 17, 1963, he was united in marriage to Mary Pfeifer at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey. The two of them resided on a farm outside of Humphrey until retirement, but Art continued to help on the farm until unable. When not farming, his passion was gardening, and he was proud of the fruits of the earth. Art was a devoted caregiver to Mary when her health declined.

Art was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Art was also a member of the American Legion and received one of the first Quilts of Valor.

Art was an extremely dedicated and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Art is survived by:
Children:
Son-Mark (Pam) Olmer, Humphrey, NE
Daughter-Ann (Steve) Rathman, Plattsmouth, NE
Daughter-Elaine (Jared) Church, Grand Island, NE
Grandchildren:
Callee, Jessica, and Dustin Olmer
Matthew, Andrew and Katie Rathman
Casey (Katelyn), Nicole (Traiten) DeMinck, Brandon, Kaylie Church
Sister:
Mildred Miksch, Columbus, NE
Brothers:
Fr. Vernon Olmer, Manitowoc, WI; Bill (Mary Jo) Olmer, Nebraska City, NE; Gene (Marge) Olmer, Humphrey, NE; George (Marilyn) Olmer, Lincoln, NE
Numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews

Art was preceded in death by:
Spouse: Mary, August 30th, 2022
Parents: John and Stella Olmer
Sisters and brothers-in-law: Dolores (Charles) McPhillips, Eleanor (Pat) McPhillips, Sister Marina Olmer, Art Miksch
Brothers and sister-in-law: Edwin (RoseMary) Olmer, Robert Olmer

Service Folder Information
Close the Gate
By Nancy Kraayenhof

For this one farmer the worries are over,
lie down and rest your head,
Your time has been and struggles enough,
put the tractor in the shed.

Years were not easy, many downright hard,
but your faith in God transcended,
Put away your tools and sleep in peace.
The fences have all been mended.

You raised a fine family, worked the land well
and always followed the Son,
Hang up your shovel inside of the barn;
your work here on earth is done.

A faith few possess led your journey through life,
often a jagged and stony way,
The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded,
and here now is the end of your day.

Your love of God's soil has passed on to your kin;
the stories flow like fine wine,
Wash off your work boots in the puddle left
by blessed rain one final time.

You always believed that the good Lord would provide
and He always had somehow,
Take off your gloves and put them down,
no more sweat and worry for you now.

Your labor is done, your home now is heaven;
no more must you wait,
Your legacy lives on, your love of the land,
and we will close the gate.


In Loving Memory

Arthur Ralph Olmer

Born
Tuesday, December 30, 1930
Humphrey, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Grand Island, Nebraska

Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, January 27, 2023 2:00 PM
St. Francis Catholic Church
Humphrey, Nebraska

Concelebrants
Fr. Eric Olsen
Fr. Vernon Olmer

Music
Jill Werner

Casket Bearers
Dustin Olmer
Casey Church
Brandon Church
Matthew Rathman
Andrew Rathman
Traiten DeMinck

Interment
St. Francis Catholic Cemetery
Humphrey, Nebraska

Military Honors
American Legion Post 80 Foltz Zuerlein & VFW Post 7725