DR. KELLY JOSEPH LIEWER
1934-2022
Dr. Kelly Joseph Liewer was born September 16, 1934, at Butte, Nebraska, to Edward W. and Leone C. (Tiefenthaler) Liewer. He grew up and attended school in Butte, spending his summers on the Al and Laurine Engelhaupt ranch. Kelly graduated from Butte High School in 1952, excelling in athletics. He continued his education attending the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN. for several years completing his bachelor’s degree at Peru State College.
While attending Peru State, Kelly met Thelma Conyac and the couple were married on May 27, 1957, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hamburg, Iowa. They settled briefly in Peru while attending summer school and then embarked on careers in teaching and secondary education administration. Kelly was a principal and superintendent of schools in St. Edward, Nebraska, and superintendent of schools in Palmyra, Nebraska. He earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 1968, and began a thirty-year career as the Registrar of Peru State College.
Kelly and Thelma, along with their growing family, made their home in Peru. After raising their family, Kelly and Thelma moved to Auburn, Nebraska, in 1988, and retired to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1998.
Kelly was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church of Lincoln. He enjoyed many activities throughout his life including fishing, pheasant hunting, bowling, horseshoe pitching, playing cards, and attending Peru State and the University of Nebraska Athletics events especially Husker Volleyball with Thelma.
Golf was a passion and he looked forward to warm weather every year. Kelly especially loved to follow his children and grandchildren in the events that they participated in. Reviewing each and every play of a game was a favorite.
Kelly passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, at his home in Lincoln. He was 89 years of age.
Kelly was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Thelma, parents, sister, Patricia (Rollie) Beran, father and mother-in-law; Hector and Julia Conyac, brother-in-law: Bud (Iva) Conyac and nephew, Chris (Dee) Conyac.
Survivors Include: Son: Michael (Cynthia) Liewer, Imperial, NE, Son: Patrick (Colleen) Liewer, of Omaha, NE. Daughter: Ronda (Scott) Reid of Auburn, NE. Son: Thomas Liewer of Elk Grove Village, IL. Daughter: Julie (Jim) Svajgl of Council Bluffs, IA. Grandchildren: James (Jenna) Reid, Matthew Liewer, Katherine (Michael) Ray, David (Nichole) Reid, Kelly Danaher, Patricia Reid, Jaclyn (Jeremy) Harris, Nicole (Will) Northey, Shannon (Kelton) Fisher, and Veronica Svajgl. Great-Grandchildren: Luke, Laden, Maya, Miles, Payton, Eli, Addyson, Max, Trek, Jack, Drew, and Baby Harris.
Visitation was Tuesday, Dec 19 at Butherus Maser and Love. Rosary was Tuesday, Dec 19 at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home 4040 A Street. Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, December 20 at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 735 S. 36th Street Lincoln