Wilferd G. Deke

Wilferd Gusteve Deke was born to Norbert A. and Marie Elena (Martins) Deke on December 31, 1937 at Thompson, Nebraska.  He grew up on the farm with his parents and attended country school through the eighth grade near Fairbury and graduated from Ohiowa High School in 1955.

He served in the Nebraska National Guard for the 2nd Bn (Mech) 134th Infantry at the Armory in Fairbury, Nebraska.  He attained the rank of SSG E-6. 

He was united in marriage to Gloria Jean Wedeking on April 16, 1961, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Daykin, Nebraska.   They lived in Bruning, then moved to Fairbury while Wilferd was in the service.  After he returned, they lived in Harbine for three years, south of Ellis for one year and Pickrell for nine years before moving to Beatrice in 1975.  To this union two children were born, Todd and Rhonda.

Wilferd was a chemical operator for Agrium in Beatrice for many years.   After retirement he worked part time for Harman-Wright Mortuary as a funeral assistant.  He was a member of the Beatrice American Legion and assisted with many military funeral honors over the years.

Wilferd was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beatrice, Nebraska where he served on the Board of Elders and Trustees.  In his spare time Wilferd enjoyed square dancing with his beloved wife Gloria, social clubs, church activities, walking his dog, camping, community service and was a faithful blood donor. 

He passed away December 12, 2025 at Whispering Winds in Beatrice, Nebraska at the age of 87 years. 

Wilferd is survived by his children Rhonda Easley and husband Berri and Todd Deke and special friend Debra Johnson, grandchildren Garrett and Taylor Easley, sisters, Elaine Rahde, Evelyn Yost, Louise Wolf and husband Bob, Carol Collier and friend Mark and sister-in-law Ila Wedeking.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Elena Deke, wife Gloria, parents-in-law, Henry and Fern Wedeking and brother LaVern Deke. 

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2025 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Beatrice, Nebraska with Rev. Karl Hollibaugh officiating.  The service will also be livestreamed here: https://www.facebook.com/stpaulslutheranchurchbeatrice/videos/2373676869751622

The family will greet friends from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2025 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery, Beatrice, Nebraska with military honors.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may go to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Nebraska. 

Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

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

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