Roger Lee Woltemath, 71, of rural Elk Creek, Nebraska, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 24, 2025 at his home. He was born to Laverne and Eileen (Kracke) Woltemath on February 24, 1954 in Tecumseh, Nebraska. He was baptized March 7, 1954 by Rev. Frank Shafer and confirmed May 5, 1968 by Rev. Harold Stelzer at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Elk Creek, where he was a life-long member. Roger attended Elk Creek Elementary, St. Peter’s Parochial and graduated from Elk Creek High School with the Class of 1972. Roger played football while in high school.

He was united in marriage to Nancy A. Behrends on November 26, 1976 at the Martin Luther Church, rural Johnson, Nebraska. This union was blessed with two sons, Jeremiah “J.R.” and Phillip.

Roger and Nancy made their home west of Elk Creek where he farmed with his father Laverne. When Laverne passed away April 2, 1993, Roger took over the farming and cattle operation and his sons later assisted him on the farm. Roger enjoyed spending time with his family, Husker football, checking crops and cattle in his Gator and being with close friends. He also worked as a Corporal for the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution for 14 years until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife Nancy of 48 years, sons J.R. Woltemath and wife Brenda of Missouri Valley, IA and Phillip Woltemath and wife Kelly of rural Elk Creek, grandchildren, Taylor, Jordan, Ella and Jarrett, sisters, Annette Ottemann of Johnson and Carol Rieken and husband Ken of Tecumseh and Lori Hoemann and husband Jim of Lincoln, two aunts, Eldred Woltemath of Lincoln and Laura Johnson of Americus, KS, sisters-in-law and brothers-inlaw, Mary Woltemath of Lexington, Linda Miller of Denver, CO, Willard and Sherri Behrends and Gary and Sandy Behrends of Johnson, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lorain “Wally”, grandson Donnie, parents-in-law DeLynn and Hilda Behrends and brothers-in-law, Ken Ottemann and Gary Miller.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska with Rev. Timothy Brisbois officiating. Loretta Kerchal, organist, accompanied congregational hymns, “Lift High The Cross”, “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace.” Pallbearers were Tony Woltemath, Scott Woltemath, Michael Woltemath, Jeff Ottemann, Kyle Rieken, Cody Rieken, Scott Miller, Josh Behrends, Jake Behrends and Nick Behrends. Interment was in the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska. Memorials may go to the family’s choice. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

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