Victor &Quot;Vic&Quot; Preister

Victor B. Preister, 95, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2014, at his home, surrounded by family.

Vic was born on November 10, 1918 on a farm in rural Lindsay. He was the 7th of 11 children born to Henry and Cecelia (Fangman) Preister. He received his education at St. Bernard Catholic School.

Vic served in the United States Army from August 1941 - December 1945 at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas and Naples, Italy, as a medic during World War II. He was awarded the American Defense Service Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.

Vic was united in marriage to Mildred Sand on June 15, 1948 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay. They were blessed with 2 sons and 4 daughters. A lifelong farmer, he and Mildred lived in Madison County until 1979. They then moved to Columbus where Vic worked at the A. Glenn Kluck feedlot until he was 82. He loved the land and the time he spent outdoors. He grew up working closely with horses on the farm and had a great love and appreciation of them. Vic participated in the Nebraska State Hand Cornhusking Contest from 1987 - 1997, winning many competitions. Vic enjoyed playing cards, singing, and spending time with family and friends. He always had a good story to share with his children and grandchildren.

Vic is survived by his wife, Mildred of 66 years; Six children: Lenny (Miriam) of Surprise, Arizona; Kenny (Jan) of Lindsay; Mary Birkel, Linda (Jim) Davis, Carol (Doug Chmelka), and Carlene (Mark) Bartholomew, all of Columbus; Fourteen grandchildren: Albert Preister, Melissa Street, Kristina Swanson, Jordan Preister, Jo Herfel, Ginny Barcus, Jeremy Preister, Jessica Quady, Scott Harmeier, Jami Jacobs, Casey Birkel, Josh Birkel, Chelsea Bartholomew and Carrie Bartholomew. He is also survived by 18 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joe, Len, Mark, and Maurice; sisters Mary Beierman-Rutten, Irene Clark, Coletta Hamling, Loretta Preister, Esther Zuerlein, and Doris Choutka.

We will remember him as a loving, prayerful, humble, and hardworking man who devoted his life to his family.