Charles “Chet” Harper passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk at the age of 88.

Chet was born on July 16, 1937, in Little Rock, Arkansas to James Burl and Faye Marie (Parkhurst) Harper. He graduated from Superior High School, Nebraska in 1955 and attended Tarkio College in Missouri earning his bachelor’s degree. He then attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln earning his Masters and Ph.D. Chet taught at Northeast High School in Lincoln, and went on to be a professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Northern Michigan College in Marquette, Michigan, and Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska. On August 11, 1963, he married Judith “Judy” Wilhite at the United Methodist Church in Nebraska City, Nebraska. They were blessed with three children: Tracy Elizabeth, Charles Harold Jr., and James Brian.

Chet enjoyed watching Husker football with his family and friends and attending tailgates in Lincoln. He and Judy liked to travel, but mostly, Chet loved spending time with his family and enjoying his grandkids. After living for many years in Auburn, Chet and Judy moved to Norfolk, Nebraska. He was involved with the Brownville Village Theatre for many years, and director for 15 years. He was locally involved with the Norfolk Community College Theatre, the Norfolk Arts Council, and was a member of the HOA Mach 1-36 organization, Norfolk. Chet was known as the “grandpa” in his Norfolk neighborhood. Also known as the “hoods” grandpa.

Chet is survived by his children Tracy (Eric) McFall of College Station, Texas, Charles Jr. (Camille) Harper of Norfolk, Brian (Jennifer) Harper of League City, TX; grandchildren Garrett (Lena), Ellie, and Maggie McFall; Hailey (Adam) Hagedorn, Evan, Chloe, and Kendall Harper; Ethan and Carleigh Harper; 2 great-grandchildren Atlas and Malakia; sister Barbara (John) Parks of Clovis, CA numerous nieces, nephews, Rusty (his fourlegged constant companion for 16 years), other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy Harper on May 21, 2019, parents James (Faye) Harper, and brother Jerry Harper.

Celebration of life service for Charles H. “Chet” Harper Sr., 88, of Norfolk, formerly of Auburn, will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 19, 2025 at the Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Public graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Sheridan Cemetery, Auburn, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brownville Village Theatre in Brownville, NE or the Norfolk Community Theatre in Norfolk.

Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn is in charge of the local arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.stonacekfuneralchapel. com. ***