David Lee Holthus

David Lee Holthus was born at the Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh, Nebraska to Vaughn and Linda (Hahn) Holthus, on September 4, 1966. He always boasted that he was the most announced newborn as his birth was announced over the intercom at the State fair by his Grandfather Hahn, “Grandma it’s a boy!” and also announced at a family party at the Tecumseh Community Building.  Dave was always a good baby.  Growing up, Dave lined up many lawn mowing jobs, as well as helping his dad haul cattle. He would be in charge of telling his mom how to get to their destination with the cattle.   Dave was a very good, caring big brother to Michael, always taking care of him and allowing him to tag along.  During his high school years Dave worked at Campbell’s Corner Station and would help as needed at the Tecumseh Livestock Auction.  While in high school Dave was involved in many sports and clubs where he held many offices including President of National Honor Society. In addition to his busy schedule, he still made academics a priority being a straight A student.  Dave participated in baseball, basketball, track and his favorite love-football. In football Dave earned all-conference and all state honors. He rushed for a little over a thousand yards in 6 short games, before breaking his collarbone his senior year.

Dave graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1984. He then enrolled at UNL where he received his bachelor’s degree in Business, while also working at the Standard airport gas station.  After graduation, Dave was employed with Walmart, where he took on the role of assistant manager in Manhattan, KS and Columbus, NE. 

On September 21, 1985 Dave married his high school sweetheart Patti Kerner.  To this union three children were born Ashley, Kelsi and Treyton.  He was very proud of his children.  In 1991, Dave and Patti returned to Tecumseh where Dave went to help at the family business Kerner True Value. During their years in Tecumseh, they made their home, raising their children and growing and moving the family business to its current location. His best and most prized accomplishments were his children and three beautiful granddaughters Presley, Adalynn, and Victoria.  Dave loved to brag and boast on all their accomplishments, as they learned many valuable skills and traits from him.  Even on Father’s Day, a day meant to honor him, he was quoting saying “You guys are the true blessings.”

Dave was an avid Husker and K.C. Royals fan and was one of the biggest supporters of the Tecumseh Indians and JCC Thunderbirds. He enjoyed going to auctions and looking for antiques, learning about the history of the town and family history and coaching little league football and baseball. He was an active volunteer for St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he had previously served as council president.  Dave also served the Lord by collecting donations for the Orphan Grain Train.  He served his community in numerous leadership roles including President of the Chamber of Commerce, previous president of the JCC Booster club, and most recently his largest accomplishment of building the new swimming pool as President of the Tecumseh Aquatic Association. Dave was active in the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce and loved bringing joy to the children by helping Santa get to town and the annual Easter Egg Hunt.  He was always willing to help others with most anything they needed and never knew a stranger. He had a very strong faith, while as a child he would ride his tricycle up and down the block singing “The B-I-B-L-E this is the book for me, as well as playing church with his friends.

Dave served as a role model and mentor for many and was always looking for ways to improve the community and school for all to enjoy, many times starting or completing a task before officially being asked. He will be deeply missed by the Tecumseh community as well as his many family and friends. He passed away unexpectedly on December 10, 2020 at the age of 54 years.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Patti, children, Ashley Juilfs and husband Phil of Tecumseh, Kelsi Meyer and husband Morgan of Johnson and Treyton Holthus of Tecumseh, granddaughters, Presley and Victoria Juilfs and Adalynn Meyer, mother, Linda Holthus of Tecumseh, brother, Mike Holthus and wife Dawn of Pickrell, mother-in-law, Rose Kerner of Tecumseh, brothers and sisters in law, Dan Kerner of Lincoln, Alan and wife Susie Kerner of Tecumseh, Vince and wife Gina Kerner of Tecumseh, Greg and wife Shelia Kerner of Fairbury and Linda and Troy Kreifels of Lincoln and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Vaughn Holthus and father-in-law, Tony Kerner.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Marcel Kohlmeyer officiating.   Masks and social distancing will be highly encouraged.  The service will be live streamed on the Wherry Mortuary/Wherry Monument Facebook page and also radio broadcast on FM 88.7 for those choosing to attend in their vehicles.  The link to the live stream is now posted on the bottom of Dave's webpage.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 17, 2020 and Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m.

Memorials may go to the St. John's Lutheran Church, Tecumseh Aquatic Association or family's choice.

Private family inurnment will be at the Tecumseh Cemetery at a later date. 

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

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