Maynard E. Harr

Maynard E. Harr, age 93 of Ainsworth, NE, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 6, 2024. He was born on December 16, 1930 in Ainsworth, NE to Maynard O. Harr and Edythe I. (Cassel) Harr.

He graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1948. Maynard loved school. In his lifetime, he attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, the Universal Trade School Institute in Omaha for refrigeration and air conditioning, and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he studied Business and Dairy Science. He graduated from UNL in 1956 with a degree in Business Administration.

He served in Germany with the 22nd Infantry Regiment, Medical Company, 4th Infantry Division. While stationed in Germany, Maynard was able to travel to Italy where he did lots of sightseeing. He was transferred to inactive Army Reserves for six years and discharged in September, 1961. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), and Good Conduct Medal.

Maynard worked with his father at Harr & Sons Inc. in Ainsworth making ice cream, driving the delivery truck and other duties at the processing plant until 1964.

Maynard met Twyla Bolich on a blind date set up by mutual friends and they were married on April 28, 1962 at the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth. They were married for 61 years and had two daughters, Sharon and JoLynn.

Maynard worked as a postal service carrier from 1964-1992. Ainsworth residents could often see Maynard being followed around by a dog named DeeDee who seemed to have a fondness for mailmen. Even after working all day delivering mail, Maynard always found time for his daughters. He took them swimming and biking when they were younger and attended all their games and school events as they got older.

Over the years, Maynard also owned Harr Refrigeration and worked part-time at Farmer Ranchers Co-op in Ainsworth. Maynard tried out several hobbies over his lifetime including golf, fishing, woodworking, chess, and gardening. His favorites were photography, model plane building, and collecting coins and stamps. He was known for carrying a small notebook in his front pocket where he loved to write down things to remember but also interesting things that happened - like funny things the grandchildren said. In retirement, Maynard and Twyla really enjoyed touring various parts of the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Phyllis Pollen; and his sister-in-law, Arleata Bass.

Maynard leaves behind his wife, Twyla; his daughter, Sharon (Todd) Vetter of Norfolk, NE and daughter, JoLynn (Shawn) Winkler of Lincoln, NE; four grandchildren, Rachel (Chase) Wietfeld, Ryan Vetter, Payton Winkler, and Jackson Winkler; his brother-in-law, Howard Bass; and many nieces and nephews.

Maynard will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 12, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth, NE with Pastor Mike Eurit officiating. Music was provided by Sherry Campbell, accompanying congregational singing of “Old Rugged Cross”. CD selections “How Great Thou Art” by Alan Jackson and “Amazing Grace” by Johnny Cash were played. Casket bearers were Steve Bass, Todd Vetter, Shawn Winkler, Ty Bass, Jackson Winkler, Ryan Vetter, Chase Wietfeld and Cooper Bass. Honorary Casket Bearer was Howard Bass. Interment was held in the Ainsworth Cemetery where Military Rites were given by Ainsworth American Legion Post #79, assisted by the Nebraska Army National Guard Funeral Honor Team. Arrangements were made under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth. Memorials were suggested to the United Methodist Church or Ainsworth Senior Center in Maynard’s name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome. com.