John P. Deprez

John P. Deprez, age 92 of York died Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at York. He was born November 1, 1911 in York County, Nebraska to August and Catherine (Schneider) Deprez. John worked in the parts department of the Ford dealership in York after which he worked for the York Fire Department for 25 years. He served as fire chief for 16 of those years until his retirement in 1967. Following his retirement, he worked as an associate at Metz Mortuary for 20 years. John was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in York and for 18 years served as the caretaker at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. He was a member of the Elks Club, the Knights of Columbus and for many years served as chairman of the York Area Red Cross. He also enjoyed fishing, working on antique clocks, gardening and yard work. On October 9, 1937 he was married to Leta Yost in McCook, Nebraska.

He is survived by his wife Leta of York; daughters, Peggy (Bill) Stroud of Benedict, NE. and Pat Deprez of York; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Leo (Kathleen) Deprez of York; sister, Catherine “Katie” (Virgil) Willits of Clarks, NE.; sister-in-law, Leona Deprez and brother-in-law, Dale Hedrick both of Lincoln, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents; 6 brothers; one sister; his grandson, Burt and son-in-law, Jay Jackson.

A Funeral mass will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m., September 24, 2004 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in York with Father Leo Seiker officiating. Interment will be in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery at York. A Rosary service was held Thursday evening at Metz Mortuary. Memorials may be directed to the church or the family.