Search by Name

Search by Name

Timothy T. "Tim" O'Dea

1950 - 2025

Timothy T. "Tim" O'Dea obituary, 1950-2025

BORN

1950

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Timothy O'Dea Obituary

Timothy T. "Tim" O'Dea

February 10, 1950 - February 19, 2025

Tim T. O'Dea, 75, formerly of Kearney, passed away February 19, 2025, at his home in Elkhorn.

Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m., March 7, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., March 6, 2025, at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kearney Public Schools Foundation, University of Nebraska Foundation at University of Nebraska at Kearney, or Dobytown Kiwanis Club. Visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.

Tim O'Dea was born on February 10, 1950, in Streeter, Illinois, to Edward and Mary O'Dea. Growing up he spent time in Toluca, Illinois, and Burlington, Iowa, and then spent his high school years in Chicago Heights, Illinois, graduating from Marian Catholic High School in 1968. Shortly after, he traveled west to Kearney, Nebraska to attend Kearney State College and play football for the Lopers. He was a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and cherished the lifelong friendships he formed with his teammates and fraternity brothers. In 1972, he graduated with a degree in Education and later earned his Master's in School Counseling in 1976.

Perhaps the best thing to happen to Tim in Kearney was meeting Peggy Poullos. The two were married in Grand Island, Nebraska, on June 15, 1974, and were blessed with two daughters, Megan and Kate.

Tim dedicated his career to helping Nebraska's youth through various roles in education and rehabilitation. He began his career at the Youth Development Center, holding multiple positions until 1976. That year, he became a counselor at Pleasanton Public School, and later served as principal from 1978 to 1988. He often shared stories about his students and kept in touch with many of them over the years. He also liked to joke that a city boy like him had no business driving a school bus down gravel roads.

In 1988, "Mr. O'Dea" moved up to "the Hill," where he became the principal of the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC). He took immense pride in the school, his staff, and the young people he had the opportunity to mentor. In 1993, he became superintendent, a role he held until his retirement in 2009.

Tim believed that Kearney, USA, was the best place to live and was deeply committed to giving back to his community. He was involved in many organizations over the years, including Dobytown Kiwanis, Kearney Elks Lodge, Leadership Kearney, Kearney Colonels Club, Kearney Goodfellows, and the UNK Alumni Board. After retiring, he continued his service and also volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital. He loved seeing familiar faces and often joked that his job mostly consisted of answering two questions: "Where's the bathroom?" and "Where's Dr. Wright's office?"

Tim's greatest passion in life was golf, a love instilled in him by his mother. He played countless rounds at Kearney Country Club and Meadowlark Hills with his regular golf group, but nothing brought him more joy than playing alongside his daughters. Many evenings and weekends were spent on the course together, and he rarely missed a tournament they played in, traveling across the country to cheer them on. Always their biggest supporter, his words of encouragement often came with a bit of colorful language, but his favorite piece of advice was always the same: "Take dead aim."

Beyond golf, Tim had a deep love for reading and sports. A devoted Husker fan, he followed football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball with unwavering enthusiasm. His loyalty to UNK athletics never wavered, especially Loper football, where he played from 1968 to 1972. He often said he was a "Loper for life" and took great pride in supporting UNK sports. His passion for athletics extended beyond just watching, he was a steadfast supporter of youth sports, always keeping up with results from high school teams across the state.

Above all, Tim's greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren, Rex and Poppy. As their beloved Papa, he found immense happiness in spoiling them, cheering them on, and sharing in their adventures. Whether offering words of encouragement or simply enjoying their company, his love for them was boundless.

Tim is survived by his daughters, Megan and Brian Jenkins, of Omaha, and Kate and Paul Roh, of Omaha; grandson, Rex Jenkins, of Omaha; and granddaughter, Poppy Terhaar, of Omaha. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin O'Dea, of Springfield, Illinois; sister, Susan and Pence Parsons, of San Diego, California; as well as many special nieces, a nephew, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, and teammates who will cherish his memory for years to come.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy; his parents, Edward and Mary O'Dea; and his in-laws, Des and Alex Poullos.

Tim's legacy is one of dedication, to his family, his community, his students, and the many lives he touched along the way. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services

2421 Ave. A

Kearney, NE 68847

308-237-2259

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kearney Hub on Feb. 27, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy O'Dea

Sponsored by Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Comfort Planter

Larry and Marlene Kuskie

Sent Flowers

Carol Robinson

March 1, 2025

May the love of friends and family carry make your strong now and in the future. Tim was a truly good and caring person with a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed, but his spirit will always be with his family and friends.

Anissa Paitz

February 27, 2025

My heart goes out to you all for the loss of your Dad. I always enjoyed catching-up with "Mr. O'Dea" when I was over in the Medical Building and the Fitness Center. We'd discuss current hospital happenings, update on each other on our families and share memories of PHS. By far his most favorite topic was his grand babies and showing me their photos on his iPad-adorable! In one of our last discussions I thanked him for helping me with math homework in the school library. He wasn't my math teacher. He was just there to read the newspaper, but took the time. He could always explain things in a way I understood. What a calling and a kindness. I can´t imagine the countless other people he has helped over the years. He made a difference in so many lives. He'll truly be missed, but I hope all the wonderful memories bring you comfort.

Ed Boelter

February 24, 2025

Our condolences to Tim's family. Always enjoyed Tim's company in the barbershop. He was a teammate of my brother Fred. Was a super guy!

Kirk Melson

February 23, 2025

Our sincere condolences to Megan and Kate and their families on their loss. Tim was a great friend and teammate. He will certainly be missed!
Kirk and Kelly Melson

Jim and Barb Wiltgen

February 22, 2025

So sorry to hear this

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Timothy O'Dea's name

Memorial Events
for Timothy O'Dea

Mar

6

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl

2421 Avenue A, Kearney, NE 68847

Mar

7

Memorial service

10:30 a.m.

St. James Catholic Church

3801 Avenue A, Kearney, NE 68847

Funeral services provided by:

Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services

2421 Avenue A P.O. Box 777, Kearney, NE 68847

How to support Timothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Timothy O'Dea's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more