Arthur Ray Brase

Arthur Ray Brase was born May 5, 1942 in Grand Island, Nebraska to Frank and Mary (Franckowiak) Brase.  Arthur “Art’ attended school in Grand Island and played football for Grand Island Central Catholic High School. He then attended Northwest Wyoming Community College for a year before transferring to the University of Wyoming.  Art graduated from the University with a B.A. in History and Art Education.

While attending college, Art worked at the Knight Hall cafeteria.  He was quickly promoted to the position of Catering Manager.  A hard worker, Art became acquainted with another food service worker who asked him to help her wipe tables and threw him a dishcloth.  She didn’t really mean to hit him in the face, but it did get his attention, and less than a year later, Art married Kristin Johnson from Lucas, Iowa, daughter of Dorothy (Driftmier) Johnson and Frank Johnson, Jr. 

While teaching in Durango, Colorado, Art painted the chapel at Mercy Hospital and became interested in the field of Respiratory Therapy.  This was a rather new field at the time as not all hospitals had R. T. departments.  Art began working for a company in Salt Lake City, that sent him to various places to establish those departments and get them up and running.  He enjoyed a long career in this field.

Art loved painting, especially portraits.  He enjoyed movies, hunting, and had a passion for cars.  He took wonderful photographs and enjoyed watching his children play sports. Art contributed to many charities, especially those for children or for those who were visually impaired.  Art had his own vision difficulties because of a condition called Keratoconus, which led to corneal transplants in both eyes.

He was a life-long Roman Catholic, and led others to the Catholic faith.  After moving to Tecumseh, Art became a member of the Knights of Columbus, which meant a lot to him.

He passed away September 24, 2024 at the Prestige Care Center in Nebraska City at the age of 82 years.

He is survived by his loving wife Kris of 61 years, of Tecumseh, sons, Andrew Brase (Annette), Aaron Brase (Betsy), Julian Brase (Jennifer) and daughter Elizabeth Brase, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, half-brother Don Brase and wife Mary and his daughter-in-law Michele Brase and other loved ones.  

Mass of Christian Burial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Father Christopher Kubat officiating.  The service was also livestreamed on the Wherry Mortuary Facebook page for those unable to attend.  A link to the stream is available here:https://www.facebook.com/100057240888156/videos/3981220365537540 

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may go to the Nebraska School of the Blind, Nebraska City, Nebraska.

Interment will be in the St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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