Van C. Newell, 95, of Tekamah, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at Accura Healthcare of Tekamah.
Celebration of life held Monday, October 19, from 2-4 pm at the United Methodist Church in Tekamah. Private family burial with Military Honors. Memorials suggested to the family for future designation. Pelan Funeral Services of Tekamah is assisting the family with arrangements.
Van Cleve was born May 19, 1931, to Harry and Geil (Van Cleve) Newell in Omaha, Nebraska.
He grew up on a farm in the South Arizona Township. He attended District #19 (Baker School) and Tekamah High School, graduating in 1948. After graduation, he attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri, for two years. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean War.
After proudly serving in the US Coast Guard, he returned home to the family farm where he spent his life doing what he loved most. Farming was his lifelong occupation, and his dedication to the land remained a defining part of who he was.
On September 8, 1951, he married JoEllen Gallup. To this union four daughters were born. On August 1, 1974, he married Bonnie Groves.
He had a deep appreciation for history and enjoyed reading and watching westerns and military shows on TV. He loved Husker football and golfing. Some of his favorite pastimes were the West Point and Burt County tractor rides, especially when driving his beloved 1953 International Farmall Super M.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marilee Herries. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Newell of Tekamah; daughters, Vanessa (Steve) Nelson of Oakland, NE, Lou (John) Eriksen, Jeanne Lydick, and Kelly (Chris) Eggers, all of Tekamah, NE; nephew, Joe Herries of CA; niece, Annette (Craig) Batchelder and her son, Matthew of HI; 11 grandchildren; and 28 great grandchildren.