Dennis J. Kouma, 82, of Columbus died Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Omaha.

Mass of Christian burial is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, with the Rev. Nicholas Mishek officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus, followed by a 7 p.m. vigil. Interment will be at All Saints Catholic Cemetery.

Dennis was born Sept. 25, 1944, in Valparaiso, Nebraska, to James and Emma (Horky) Kouma. He grew up on a farm near Valparaiso and graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1962. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating in 1967 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Dennis met Carol Rejda in 1965, and the two were married on June 24, 1967, in Brainard, Nebraska. Three children — Deb, Kim and Randy — were born to this union. Dennis and Carol moved to Columbus in 1967.

Dennis worked at Dale Electronics in Columbus for about a year after college before going on to work at Behlen Manufacturing, where he was employed for 51 years until his partial retirement in 2019. He spent much of his time at Behlen as the engineering manager for ag products, which included designing large grain bins and regular international travel.

Dennis loved his work, continuing to assist Behlen however he could during his entire retirement.

Dennis enjoyed watching Cornhusker athletics, especially football. He was a season ticket holder for over 30 years and loved attending games with his children and grandchildren.

Holiday decorating was one of Dennis’ favorite hobbies. Every Christmas season, he would put up a stunning display of lights outside his home, often asking the neighbors if he could use some of their yard to display lights because he had more lights than his own yard could hold.

Dennis won multiple awards through the years for his large Christmas light displays, and residents all across town would make it a point to drive past his home during the holiday season.

Dennis also loved playing cards, attending his grandchildren’s activities and listening to The Beatles and Johnny Cash. Some of his favorite memories included summer vacations with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Dennis displayed kindness to everyone he met and was rich with patience. He was sharp as a tack and had a quick-witted sense of humor.

Faith was of utmost importance to Dennis. He was a longtime member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Carol, of Columbus; children Deb (Jeff) Svehla, Kim (Jerry) Svehla and Randy (Laurie) Kouma, all of Columbus; grandchildren Kyle, Allison (Darrin), Austin, Zachary, Kaelyn, Cassie, Makenna and Jordan; great-grandchildren Grayson and Graham; sister-in-law Judi (Mike) Rak; niece Keri Rak and nephew Shane Rak.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Emma; sister Evangeline; and parents-in-law James and Henrietta Rejda.