Arthur A. Mann

Arthur A. Mann, age 90, of O'Neill, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at his home north of O'Neill. Visitation was held on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, from 5-8 p.m. at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill with Rev. John Ryding officiating. Music was provided by organist, Janet Grosch and soloist, Risa Mann. Pallbearers were Art's grandsons, Tony Mann, Cody Bode, Tyler Bode, Jake Bode, Jason Mann and nephew, Ted Jensen. Honorary pallbearers were granddaughters, Sarah Crosby, Angie Mann, Kelsey Mann, Katie Mann, his seven great-grandchildren and all of his fishing buddies. Burial was in the Blackbird Cemetery north of O'Neill, across from his ranch. Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements. Art was born on July 2, 1922, at Burwell to Allan T. and Emma L. (Geohring) Mann. He grew up and received his education in Burwell, graduating from Burwell High School in 1940. He met Eunice E. Jensen and they were married on June 15, 1952, at St. Ansgar Lutheran Church near Lindsey. He and Eunice celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last summer. In 1959 Art and Eunice moved to their ranch north of O'Neill where they lived for the past 53 years. Art took great pride in his cattle and ranching operation. His favorite breed was always white faced Herefords. Art spent summers in the hay field and in his earlier years also loved to play baseball. In later years he was a faithful fan of the Legion baseball program and spent many hours following his son and grandsons during their baseball seasons. Art enjoyed many different activities. He never forgot his ties to Nebraska's big rodeo at Burwell returning many times to watch and meet up with old friends. Later he enjoyed watching his grandsons as they participated in rodeos across Nebraska. His granddaughters were also his pride and joy and you could often find him at a softball game, or cattle or horse show. He was an avid fisherman spending many summers at his cabin on the Missouri River. Along with fishing he also loved sports and was a huge fan of the Nebraska Huskers, the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Twins. Even though he was busy he made time to raise a big garden of which he was very proud and earned several best of show ribbons at the Holt County Fair. Art was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill. He is survived by his wife, Eunice of O'Neill; three sons, Paul and wife Nancy, Tim and wife Ann and Chris, all of O'Neill; one daughter, Barb Bode and husband Ken of Elgin; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and one sister, Clarice Stelling of Grand Island. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ralph and Glenn and one sister, Dorothy Rolfsmeier. Memorials may be given to the Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill and the O'Neill Baseball Association.