John S. Huffman

John S. Huffman passed away, April 19th, 2024, at University Medical Center in Omaha. He was 76 years of age.

He was born in North Platte, NE on September 28, 1947, to Marvin and Myra Loree (Wilson) Huffman.  The family made residence in North Platte, before moving to the ranch north of Burwell in 1954.

John graduated from Burwell High School in 1965. After high school he joined his father in the family business doing construction and mechanic work.   

He then joined the U.S. Army and served from 1967-1969. His tour of duty took him to Germany and Vietnam during the Vietnam War. John returned home in the summer of ‘69.

After returning, he married Cindy Burnham and to this marriage came four daughters; Leah, Dana, Johnna and Jayme.  John worked many years driving truck and doing excavation work with a drag line.  There wasn’t a man around that could build, a pond, a pit or dam the way he could.  As a mechanic he took his creativity and made the first wrecker truck and tire turner for Blueberry Hill. He could engineer about anything you ask him to.

In 1999, he met Martha Kershner doing one of his favorite hobbies, country dancing.    On October 16, 2010, they were united in marriage in Hastings.  John and Martha spent their 25 years dancing, fishing, camping and traveling to see new sites and loved visiting family.   They were blessed with a beautiful companionship and filled each other’s lives with joy.

John was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burwell, American Legion - Clifford Post- Post 298 in Burwell, NRA, and Ducks Unlimited.

He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Martha; his four daughters, Leah (Scott) Taylor of Alliance, Nebraska, Dana (Trent) Plugge of Burwell, Nebraska, Johnna (TC) Garcia of La Sal, Utah, and Jayme (Tagg) From of Bridgeport, Nebraska; grandchildren, Emilie Chaffin, Ty (Maddie) Chaffin, Tehya From, Fayth From, Jayda From, Tacey From, Marilyn Garcia, Samuel and Steven Garcia, Amos Garcia; two great-grandchildren, Cole Chaffin and Kellen Chaffin; two bonus sons, Troy Kershner of Hastings, Nebraska and Ray Kershner of Omaha, Nebraska. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Tom (Joyce) Huffman of Burwell, NE, Mary Sue Todd of Weatherford, Texas and Dale (Sheri) Huffman from Tonganoxie, KS as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, James “Jim” Huffman and his grandparents Ira and Florence Huffman and Clyde and Lulu Wilson.

To honor John’s wishes cremation was chosen.  Memorial services will be Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hastings, NE with Ann Auten officiating.  He will be laid to rest at 11:00 am, Friday, May 10, 2024, at Fort McPherson Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials may be directed to his family for a later designation.

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