William C. Jezbera

1939 - 2025

William C. Jezbera

August 14, 1939 - November 8, 2025

William C. Jezbera, 86, of Kearney passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at his home.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Interment will be held in the Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025, and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we share the passing of a man who found joy in life's simple, steady rhythms. He was someone who lived with quiet purpose, spending his days doing the things that brought him peace by tending to a garden he nurtured with patience, and tuning in to the familiar comfort of the radio, where music, stories, and sports kept him company.

William was born August 14, 1939, in Anselmo, Neb. to William (Willie) Jezbera and Catherine (Tobey) Knittle.

His faith was a quiet but steady anchor in his life. He often spent time reading his Bible, finding comfort, guidance, and strength in its pages. Those moments of reflection shaped the gentle way he moved through the world and the kindness he showed to others.

He was also a proud animal lover; known for the way he connected with pets and wildlife alike. Animals seemed to sense his gentleness, and caring for them brought him great joy.

Cooking was another passion of his, whether preparing a favorite recipe or trying something new, he loved sharing good food with the people he cared about. His kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and comfort.

He served honorably in the National Guard for 37 years, dedicating himself as a skilled tank mechanic. His work reflected his strength, resilience, and commitment to service. Those who served beside him remember his reliability, his strong work ethic, and the dignity with which he approached every responsibility.

William was married to his beloved wife, Sharon on March 12, 1964, where he shared a warm and lively family life. Through Sharon, he became part of a large and loving family of nine children. He embraced them with the same steady kindness and quiet loyalty that defined him, finding joy in the fullness and closeness that such a big family brought.

He treasured his family above all else. Whether gathered around a table, sharing a game on TV, or simply enjoying each other's company, he carried his loved ones at the center of everything he did. His loyalty ran deep, and his warmth made everyone around him feel at home.

He will be remembered for his easy smile, his steady kindness, his faith, and the way he made ordinary days feel meaningful. His legacy blooms in the hearts of his family, in the stories they'll continue to share, and in the simple joys he taught them to appreciate.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Left to cherish his memories are his eight children, Tammey (Dave) Nichols, Brenda Jezbera, Connie (Jerry) Neubauer, Ben (Kyla) Jezbera, Loretta (Eric) Nelson, Tim Jezbera, Leo Jezbera, and Christine (Scott) O'Brien; 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; sister, Agnus Beethe; and brothers, Jim and Gary Jezbera

Welcoming him into Heaven are his Wife, (Sharon); his son, Jr. Jezbera; parents, Catherine and William; brother, Jerry Jezbera; and daughter-in-law, Brenda Taylor-Jezbera.