Willard G. Hollopeter

Christian Gentleman, Loving Husband, Caring Dad, Grandpa and Grandpa Great, Supportive Brother, Loyal Friend, Sandhills Rancher, Cowboy Poet Extraordinaire, Prolific Writer

Willard Gene Hollopeter was born to Fred and Tina (Donahoo) Hollopeter on October 24, 1934 at Ainsworth, NE. He passed away on July 1, 2022 at the age of 87 at the Cherry County Hospital in Valentine, NE.

As a descendant of 1880 pioneers who settled along the Calamus River, Willard’s roots ran deep in Blaine, Brown and Cherry counties. Willard’s grandparents, John and Florence (Clapper) Hollopeter settled on the west end of Chain Lakes in southern Brown County and his Donahoo grandparents, Jess and Cora, also settled in Brown County.

Except for a few years spent in Colorado as a child and his stint in the Army, Willard spent his entire life in the Sandhills of Nebraska. In 1947, he moved with his parents, sister Wilma and brother Jack to a ranch 25 miles south of Wood Lake. He attended rural schools and for several years, he accompanied his mother to schools where she taught.

Willard attended Wood Lake High School his freshman year. That year coincided with the infamous Blizzard of 1949. His dad hired Don Higgins to fly Willard back to Wood Lake to school following a huge blizzard over Christmas vacation. Willard transferred to Ainsworth High School for his sophomore year graduating with the Class of 1952.

Willard entered the US Army on April 9, 1957. After basic training at Camp Carson, CO and specialized training at Fort Gordon, GA, he served in Germany for 18 months as a Wire Chief MOS. He was discharged at Camp Grant, IL on April 9, 1959.

Willard and Arlene Kloppel were married on June 12, 1960 in the old Methodist Church in Ainsworth. Together they raised two children, Kenneth and Julie, taking an active part in church, training horses, 4-H and high school rodeos. Willard’s beloved wife, Arlene succumbed to cancer in March 1986.

About 1980, he began writing his column, “For What It’s Worth.” He also began writing cowboy poetry which led him to co-found the Nebraska Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Old West Days in Valentine in 1991. He was on the Board of Directors for 21 years, seven of which he served as President. Willard recited his poetry by memory as he traveled to Poetry Gatherings in Nebraska and neighboring states.

Willard took pride in the publishing of two books, “So Many Winters” and “Lost Trails” containing over 100 of his poems and stories of ranch living. In 2009, Willard was selected for the Will Rogers Medallion Award by the Academy of Western Artists. Willard was also a member of the Nebraska Humanities Touring Program presenting his program, “The Cowboy Way” to multiple audiences across Nebraska. Faithful listeners will miss tuning in to “Heritage Trails,” Willard’s radio program over KVSH for over 30 years.

After retirement from the ranch in 2000, he began a year-long restoration of the 90-year old house in Wood Lake. On January 1, 2008, Willard and Mary Mulligan were married in North Platte. Sadly, Mary died from cancer in February 2009.

In the spring of 2010, Willard met Mary Schubert from Bassett at a Grief-Share meeting in Ainsworth. They were married on December 28, 2012 at the Wood Lake Union Church. For seven years, Willard and Mary were a speaking duo at Christian Connection groups and other events.

Willard was a member of the Ralph A. Piper American Legion Post 202 in Wood Lake where he took pride as a member of the Honor Guard on many occasions. Willard and Mary were faithful in attending the Wood Lake Union Church; for the past four years, they attended services at Cherry Hills Estates where they made their home.

Willard’s faith in Christ was evident, especially during the past eight months, balancing dialysis and multiple medical problems. His days were lighter because his granddaughter, Justina Burge, was one of his dialysis nurses for four years.

Last February, he was overjoyed with his “new heart”. He told his surgeon, “You gave me a new life”.

And now Willard has gone on to Eternal Life with his Savior, Jesus Christ. As he ended his radio programs: “Until next time, this is Willard Hollopeter; reminding you to keep a snug cinch and an easy rein.”

Preceding him in death were his wives, Arlene and Mary; parents, grandparents, brother, Jack Hollopeter and wife, Ruth Ann; grandson, Cpl. Josiah Hollopeter; great-granddaughter, Eleigh Rose Swisher, brother-in-law, William Hackney and step-son, Michael Schubert.

Left behind include his wife, Mary; son, Kenneth Hollopeter (Kelly); daughter, Julie Owens (Shawn); grandchildren, Annie Nielson (Josh) and children, Greyson Swan, Kalen Hollopeter (Kylie) and children, Ryker and Adaline; Tyler Hollopeter (Summer) and son, Briggs; Justina Burge (Timber) and children, Sarah, Kimber and Marlie; Bryant Schipporeit (Myranda) and children, Hanna and Maverick; Callie Naber and children, Hadleigh and Teagan; Wyatt Naber (Trina) and Kynzlee.

Other survivors are his sister, Wilma Hackney; nephews, Bill Hackney and Jay Hollopeter (Dusty); nieces, Jodi Mathis; Jeannie Hollopeter and other nieces and nephews; Willard’s step-children, are Lucy Keller (Mike), Jane Fowler (Emmitt), Kay Fabricus (Scott), Angela Boucher (Andy), 16 step-grandchildren, 13 step-great-grandchildren, other relatives and hundreds of friends.

Funeral services were held at the United Methodist Church in Valentine on July 6, 2022. Officiating were Pastor Jake Schadel, Paster Don Letellier and Pastor Don Schauda. Casket bearers were Bryant Schipporeit, Wyatt Naber, Tyler Hollopeter, Jay Hollopeter, Bill Hackney and Jerry Gaskins. Taped music was by the Bar J Wranglers, the Jensen’s and Anna May Letellier was the pianist for congregational singing. Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery in Wood Lake with Military Honors.