Gary D. Horstman

Gary D. Horstman was born January 8, 1939 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Harvey and Irene (Remmers) Horstman of Sterling, Nebraska. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Sterling, Nebraska where he was a lifelong member.  Gary attended Fairview Country School and later graduated from Sterling High School in 1956.  

He married Darleen (Klein) Horstman on September 20, 1958.  To this union two children were born, Jerry and Diane.  

Gary operated heavy equipment and mechanical work prior to becoming fully engaged in farming.  After agriculture, hunting and antique tractor pulling were of interest to him, but his real passion and favorite hobby was classic cars and race cars.  In 2018, Gary was inducted into the Beatrice Speedway Hall of Fame.  His car is currently on display at the Speedway Museum in Lincoln.  Gary especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

He passed away February 16, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Society in Syracuse, Nebraska at the age of 86 years. 

Gary is survived by his wife of 66 years, Darleen, son Jerry Horstman and special friend Ann Ramsey, daughter Diane Behrens and husband Casey, two grandchildren, Michelle and Jason, 4 great-grandchildren, brother Ron Horstman, sisters, Betty Oosting and Lois Stelmach, sister-in-law Denise Horstman and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James "Jim" Horstman, sister-in-law Shirley Horstman and brothers-in-law Leonard Stelmach and Glen Oosting. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the Sterling Community Building with Pastor Dennis Reich officiating.  The link to the livestream is available here: https://www.facebook.com/100057240888156/videos/1168065774668300  Please join the family immediately after the service for a light lunch at the Sterling Community Building prior to the graveside service at 1:30 p.m. in the Tecumseh Cemetery.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the family’s choice.

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

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