Jeffrey L. Biegert

June 6, 1952 - February 14, 2018

Jeffrey (Jeff) L. Biegert, also fondly known as “Bossman”, “the Beak”, “Jeffrey Bean”, “Frogman”, “Papa Cow” as well as Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Business Partner and Friend, died on February 14, 2018 in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 65 after a 13-year battle with prostate cancer. Jeff was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on June 6, 1952 to John R. Biegert and Maurine (Steyer) Biegert of Shickley, Nebraska. Jeff learned the meaning of hard work at an early age, working side-by-side with his dad and uncles on the family farm, attending school in Shickley, Nebraska, and playing year-round sports. Jeff graduated in 1974 from Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta social fraternity. Through TCU, Jeff made many life-long friends. In honor of Jeff’s educational experiences at TCU, Jeff and his family helped sponsor and launch the TCU Values and Ventures Business Competition, which continues today. After college, Jeff worked in Houston, Texas, with his uncle, Max Biegert, at National Child Care Centers. The company was eventually sold, and Jeff moved back to Nebraska, where he started his career in manufacturing liquid feed cattle supplements. Jeff, with his close business partners, was involved in many agri-related endeavors over the years, and these partnerships will continue, as Jeff desired. In July 2017, Jeff was inducted into the National Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame. Jeff also pursued other business ventures, including a partnership with Max Biegert in the Grand Canyon Railway located at Williams, AZ. Jeff met the love of his life, Sally Abelbeck, on a blind date in August 1977. Jeff and Sally were engaged six weeks later and married on February 3, 1978. Jeff often said two of his best decisions were attending TCU and marrying Sally. Sally and Jeff recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Through this union, three daughters were born: Lindsey, Natasha and Kelsey. From 1978 to 1994, Jeff and Sally resided in Geneva, Nebraska and raised their young family. In 1994, Jeff, Sally and family moved to Laramie, Wyoming. Jeff served as a board member from 2005 until his death with the Cathedral Home for Children in Laramie, WY, serving two years as President. Jeff deeply believed in taking care of and investing in the youth of our nation, as they are our future leaders. His philosophy was “every child deserves and should have a chance.” Jeff gave his time and resources to cancer research, undergoing numerous experimental treatments and providing donations to UCLA Prostate Cancer Research Center for ongoing clinical trials. Jeff was known by the youth he met for teaching them the art of the “handshake” as one’s handshake is his badge of honor. He loved spending time at his cabin in the mountains, and fly fishing with friends and family. Jeff was a pilot for many years, and while he “retired” from flying, he never lost the passion. Family was his great motivation and ultimate reward in life. His idea of family extended beyond relatives, as he had many cherished friendships made through business and life-long experiences. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, John Biegert and Maurine Biegert. Jeff is survived by his wife, Sally of Tie Siding, Wyoming; his three daughters and sons-in-law Lindsey Biegert-McCray and Scott of Plano, TX, Natasha Biegert Harris and Matt of Denver, CO, Kelsey Biegert Cunningham and Brent of Fort Worth, TX; his four grandchildren Reagan Harris, Colby Harris, Jeffrey Harris and Audrey McCray; his sisters Deborah Johnson and husband Darrel of Shickley, NE and Beth Biegert and husband, Ron Brothers of Denver, CO; his uncle Max Biegert and wife Thelma of Paradise Valley, Arizona; his aunt Pat Biegert of Shickley, NE; his two brothers-in-law Randy Abelbeck of Lincoln, NE and Stewart Abelbeck and wife, Michelle of Omaha, NE; his sister-in-law, Rachelle Neemann and husband, Delton of Hastings, NE; his sister-in-law Marge Abelbeck of Lincoln, NE; his Aunt LaRayne Wahlstrom and husband Rick of Brookings, SD; and his loving nieces, nephews, multiple cousins and numerous other relatives. A Funeral Service for Jeff was held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holthus Convention Center in York, Nebraska. Rev. Dr. Michael Dent officiated the Funeral Service. Nancy Jo Galusha provided the prelude and postlude. She accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Gift Of Love” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” and she accompanied Jessica Ruhl in the singing of “Hallelujah.” Pallbearers for the service included Scott McCray, Matt Harris, Brent Cunningham, Scott Whitefoot, Rex Biegert, and Dirk Johnson. Honorary bearers for the service included Jason Anderson, Adam Benton, Max Biegert, Ben Brown, Lon Byars, Don Chase, Dr. Michael Comly, Steve Endicott, Tom Feller, Doug Gergen, Barry Gottsch, Bill Gottsch, Brett Gottsch, Ken Green, Glenn Hoyer, Brian Kissinger, Craig Kissinger, Jerald Kissinger, John Lacey, Jon Mamot, Jon Means, George Seward, Kirby Smart, Dick Van Pelt, and Dave Woods. Private Family Interment was held in the Shickley Cemetery. Farmer & Son Funeral Home of Geneva conducted the funeral arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com. Those who wish to remember Jeff in a special way may make a gift in his memory to The Cathedral Home for Children, care of Cassidy Biggs, 4989 N 3rd St., Laramie, WY, 82072, the Downtown Clinic, care of Pete Gosar, 611 S 2nd St., Laramie, WY 82070 or to the Shickley Community Foundation Fund, P.O. Box 372, Shickley, NE 68436.