James “Jim” Gnade, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on July 14, 2026, at Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln, Nebraska. Born on June 8, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa to Ray and Maryanna (Doran) Gnade, Jim touched many lives with his warmth, integrity, and steadfast devotion to his family, friends, and community.

Jim’s formative years were spent in Peru, Nebraska, where he attended school, cultivating lifelong friendships and values that would define him throughout his life. He completed his senior year at Auburn High School, graduating with the Class of 1968.

On August 21, 1971, Jim was united in marriage to Sharon Dieckhoff at Martin Luther Lutheran Church. The couple would be blessed with two children, Travis and Rachel.

Jim began his working career at a meat packing plant. He later found his professional home with OK Tire in Auburn, where he dedicated many years of diligent service and developed cherished friendships and a well-earned reputation for his work ethic and kindness. Even in retirement, Jim stayed active, finding joy in helping out with Denny Wheeler.

Jim was a man of many interests, and his presence brightened all the spaces he entered. A devoted fan of baseball, he loved watching and supporting the Royals, but nothing brought him more pride than cheering on his grandson as he played the game. His appreciation for good company was evident in his regular outings with friends and his breakfast group at Dutch Pantry. He also enjoyed working on an old Volkswagen. Above all, Jim delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, never tiring of sharing stories about them or celebrating their triumphs.

Jim’s memory will be forever cherished by his loving family: his son Travis Gnade and daughter-in-law Misty; his daughter Rachel Custer and sonin- law Michael; his treasured grandchildren Gabrielle Custer, Blake Custer, Grant Custer, Katie Gnade, and Carson Gnade; his sisters Rae Ann Falk, Sally Lavigne, and Jeannie Morava; his brother Steven Gnade and sister-in-law Joyce; sisters-inlaw Eleanor (Larry) Hart, Linda (Roger) Vogel, Carol Dieckhoff, and Donna Dieckhoff; and dear friends Ed and Jackie Myers, and Bob Bals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Sharon, his brother Bob Gnade, and numerous sisters- and brothersin- law: Mark Falk, Dennis Lavigne, Richard Morova, Arnold and Sharon Dieckhoff, LaVern Dieckhoff, Ralph Dieckhoff, Carolyn and Dallas Brehm.

A memorial service was held Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Jackie Gfeller. Serving as honorary bearers were Gabrielle Custer, Blake Custer, Grant Custer, Katie Gnade, Carson Gnade, Brian Lavigne, Ed Myers, and Bob Bals.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.