Wilbur Epke

Wilbur Rudolph Albert Epke, age 90 of York, Nebraska, died Saturday, March 8, 2008 at York. He was born March 21, 1917 to Henry and Frieda (Reisner) Epke in rural Waco, Nebraska. Wilbur graduated from St. John’s School, south of Waco. Wilbur served his country in the United States Army and was enlisted on the first draft in York County in 1941 and served to 1945. He served during World War II in the South Pacific. He was given the Philippine Liberation Medal with Bronze Star. On February 9, 1945 Wilbur was united in marriage to Maxine D. Manzer in Las Vegas, Nevada. From 1945 to 1948 Wilbur and Maxine resided in Ventura, California, before returning to Nebraska.

Wilbur was a farmer and cattleman and was also co-owner and auctioneer, with his twin brother Walter, of York Livestock Sales Co, for over 30 years. He also did masonry and bricklaying work for Lige Levitt. He was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church-ELCA in York, director of the York County Feeders Association, member of the Nebraska Livestock Association, past member of Competitive Livestock Marketing Association, past Exalted Ruler of Elks #1024 in York, American Legion member, and member of the York County Fair Board. Wilbur also attended countless sporting events of his grandchildren. Wilbur was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons: Lyle (Sheila) Epke of York and Ken (Chere) Epke of Waco; daughter Julie (Greg) Adams of York; ten grandchildren: Shannon (Jay) Garren of Omaha, Nebraska and their children Hayley, AJ, and Dominic; Jennifer (Shannon) Heiss of York and their children Bradyn, Emmett, and Westley; Amy (Jamie) Stevens of Mission, Kansas and their children Annabel and Henry; Joshua Epke of Lincoln, NE; Andrea Epke of Lincoln; Jeff (Holly) Epke of Wichita, Kansas and their children Dylan and Sydney; Brian (Brie) Epke of Wichita and their son Brody; Lindsay (JJ) Stecher of Fremont, Nebraska; Heather (Tim) Loveless of Wichita and their children Addisen and Bergen; and Shawn Levitt of Lincoln. Also surviving are two sisters: Elta Davis of York and Dama (Julian) Lind of York; sister-in-law Ardis Epke of Lincoln; nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers: Rudolph, Walter, and Ralph; four sisters Alma Epke, Anna Ranes, Norena Rich, Paula Behmer; and a sister in infancy.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in York on 14th St. and Delaware with the Reverend Terry Cosier officiating. Military graveside services followed at York’s Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the church or the family.