Ardean M. Kohtz, 77, of York, Nebr., was surrounded by family when he went to his heavenly home Wednesday, November 19, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebr.

Ardean was born June 13, 1937 in Bradshaw, Nebr. to Richard A. and Hulda (Opfer) Kohtz. Raised on a farm outside of Bradshaw, Ardean was baptized, confirmed and attended parochial school at Zion Lutheran Church in Hampton. Upon graduation from Bradshaw High School in 1955, Ardean began farming and had a Grade A Dairy farm. On January 12, 1957, he married Mary L. Smith in Stromsburg and the two later relocated to York. After moving to York, Ardean was owner of a gas station and a meat cutter at the York packing plant. Ardean was forced to retire from meat cutting after becoming legally blind, and then he became involved in real estate and owned four laundry mats before retiring in 1993.

Ardean was an active member of the Lions Club for over 35 years. During his years as a Lion Ardean served on many boards and positions, which included but are not limited to: being a member of the Lion’s Nebraska Foundation Board, serving on the board’s cabinet, and serving on Omaha’s Eye Bank Board. Ardean was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest honor bestowed on to Lions members. Ardean was also active in the League of Human Dignity and the VIPS Club. He participated in the University of Iowa Research Study on Juvenile X-Linked Retinoschisos. In addition to traveling with his fellow Lions Club members, Ardean enjoyed fishing, boating and bowling with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish Ardean’s memory is his wife of 57 years, Mary of York; and five children: Jim (Julie) Kohtz of Milford, Susan (Kevin) Clark of McCool Jct., Judy (Marc) Ronne of York, David Kohtz and significant other Carla Nelson of York, and Lisa Johnson of York.

His grandchildren include: Jen (Nick) Holmes of Seward; Jordan (Alexa) Kohtz of Hastings; Kenton Clark of McCool Jct.; Chelsey Clark of Omaha; Kendall Clark of Kearney; Candiace Clark of Lincoln; Chasity Ronne of Lincoln; Alicia Ronne of West Des Moines, Iowa; Derek Ronne and his fiancée Megan Dahlgren of Beatrice; Cole Stell and significant other Belinda of York; Demitrius Kohtz, Ariana Kohtz, Baylee Kohtz and Austin Johnson all of York. Great-grandchildren include Andrew and Samuel Holmes and Nikolai, Stormy and Ember Stell.

Ardean is also survived by his brother, Stanley (Dorothy) Kohtz of Denver, Colo.; sisters-in-laws, Maxine Peterson of York and Grace Quiring of Henderson; nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Additionally, Ardean held a special place in his heart for his dog, Buddy.

Ardean was preceded in death by his son Gary Alan Kohtz, parents and three brothers: Harold, Ray and Marvin.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Monday, November 24, 2014 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York with the Reverend Mike Neidow officiating. Interment was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Hampton. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Obituary Reprinted Courtesy Of Metz Mortuary, York, Nebr.