William Irby

William "Bill" Irby, age 93, passed peacefully on December 18, 2023, in Columbus, NE.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Federated Church in Columbus. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Private Interment in Roselawn Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Bill was born October 31, 1930 in Columbus to Ira and Alleida (VanWormer) Irby.  He graduated from Rushville High School and went to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration.  During his time in Lincoln, he met Carolyn Good on a blind date. Turns out that was the best blind date he would ever have and they were married in Cozad, NE on June 2, 1954.  They were married for over 63 years. Bill and Carolyn had 4 children: Bob, Susan, Cindy & Sarah.

Bill was a lifelong learner that included another Master's Degree in Chemistry with one summer in Ft. Collins, CO and three summers spent in Pittsburg, KS.  These adventures included Carolyn, the 4 kids and, on more than one occasion, the family pets packed into the station wagon for eight-week adventures.  These were educational experiences for the entire family.

Bill spent his career as an educator.  He taught high school chemistry in Hastings, NE and moved to Columbus as a member of the original faculty at Platte College. He then moved to NPPD and became the Safety/Training Manager until he retired in 1996.  During his time at NPPD, he started the NPPD Toastmasters Club for public speaking and was one of the founders of the Leadership Columbus Program, through the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. Both programs remain active today.

Bill was an active member of Federated Church, Masons, Shriners and Kiwanis service clubs in Columbus.  He enjoyed woodworking, supporting his family's activities, gardening and playing bridge. He was a loving husband, dad, grandfather and great grandfather.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn and daughter Cynthia and is survived by his three remaining children Bob (Maureen) Irby of Columbus, Susan Irby of Minneapolis, MN and Sarah (Mark) Boaz of Omaha.

Six grandchildren Kelly (Ryan) Lorenzen of Omaha, Megan (Ty) McHugh of Columbus, Kathleen Irby of Salt Lake City, UT, Michael (Taylor) Irby of Columbus, Jacob (Taylor) Boaz of Omaha and Elizabeth Boaz of Omaha.

Seven great children which made his face light up every time he saw them: Emma, Hadley and Lainey McHugh, Noah and Jane Lorenzen, Aurora Irby and Piper Boaz.

Memorials can be directed to Federated Church or to the family for a scholarship fund to be established for Columbus Community College- Columbus Campus.