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Byron Stolzenburg Obituary

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Byron Stolzenburg

Valentine, NE

April 22, 1939 - January 26, 2020

Byron Stolzenburg Obituary

Byron (Bud) Stolzenburg was born April 22, 1939 to Arnold and Margret (Mortensen) Stolzenburg  in Valentine NE. The next eighty years Bud would go on to make an impact in the hearts of every person he met.  Bud stated once, "I want to live my life in a manner that demonstrates my thankfulness for all that God has given me, and be a positive example to others.  Most of the things the world regards as "setbacks" are opportunities in disguise." He will be remembered for his deep faith, positive outlook, listening ear, encouragement  and support to many.   The oldest of four siblings he and his three sisters attended elementary school at district 182 near the ranch. He then attended high school at Concordia in Seward, NE and graduated in 1956. He played football an was honorable mention all-state in 8-man football his senior year.  After high school he attended Concordia College in St. Paul MN where he studied for two years to be a pastor. He then returned home to work side by side with his dad on the home place and spent time teaching at the rock school house north of Crookston for a year. After that year he returned to college at Concordia Seward where he earned an education degree.   While at Concordia he met his wife Jean Lois Heidemann. They were married July 13 1963 in Holdrege NE. They were blessed with two children: Denise and Kurt. In the early years of their marriage they lived in Arizona while Bud taught school and finished his Masters degree. In 1971 Bud moved back to the ranch with his wife and young family. He loved life on the ranch, serving as a vacancy Lutheran pastor and being involved in the community.  Throughout his life, Bud taught many Bible studies and served the church in many ways. He taught school at District 45 South of Crookston where he also served on the school board.  He served as a member of the Cherry Todd Electric Co-Op board, FSA board in Valentine, Old West Days board, Chairman of the UNL Beef Study team, and a TeamMates mentor in Valentine. One of his greatest achievements was being a member of the CTCR (Commission on Theology and Church Relations, LCMS). In 1986 Bud started a new career with the University of Nebraska as an Agricultural Extension Agent where he enjoyed working with his friends, neighbors and local ranchers.  He loved all his interactions with the kids in 4H, working on the Nebraska rural water quality program, and being a part of the UNL Beef Study Program. He retired in 2006 from the University and spent his remaining years with his family on the ranch and traveling with his grandchildren. The Lord called Bud to his eternal home January 26, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Margret Stolzenburg. Bud is survived by his wife Jean; his children Denise West and Kurt Stolzenburg and wife Jane, grandchildren: Kierstin (Stolzenburg) Reed and husband Joel, Jennifer Stolzenburg, Gilbert Espinosa, Stephanie Espinosa, Bryanna Garey and Candace Garey; two great grand-children: Braydan Guillen and Carson Luthi; sisters: Judi Ketelsen husband Dave,  Sharon Eickhoff and JoAn Walling; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and other beloved family.   Bud could not walk down the street or drive down a gravel road and not come upon an acquaintance where a quick hello turned into afternoon conversation and so leaves behind countless friends and neighbors who he always treated like family.   Memorials may be made in care of the family to Mission Central or the Lutheran Hour.

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Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Byron Stolzenburg.