Elbert Howard Loewenstein

Elbert Howard Loewenstein, age 86, of Kearney, Nebraska died Sunday, November 13, 2016 at his home. He was born November 6, 1930 at Derby, Colorado to Rupert and Zoe (Mayberry) Loewenstein. Following his graduation from Gibbon High School in 1948, Elbert enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he proudly served his Country during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to his high school sweet heart, Betty Lou Knott, on May 13, 1949 while he was on leave from Active duty. To this union three children were born; Diane, Douglas and Russell. Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, Elbert attended Kearney State Teachers College prior to completing his college education from the University of Nebraska Lincoln earning Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in January, 1957. Elbert worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a County Extension Agent from 1957 to 1965. He began his banking career as an Agriculture consultant with the Bruning State Bank from 1965 to 1968. In the summer of 1968, Elbert and Betty purchased an ownership interest in the Stamford Bank where he served as the President until his retirement in 1992. During his retirement Elbert enjoyed traveling and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Elbert was passionate about serving his Country and his Community, and encouraged everyone he knew to do the same. He loved all aspects of agriculture and prided himself as a steward of the land. In 1998 Elbert embarked on one of his most rewarding accomplishments, by walking to his 50th class reunion in Gibbon from Pinetop, Arizona. His journey covered 1,042 miles over 51 days. His purpose was to raise money for the scholarship funds of Southern Valley High School near Stamford and Gibbon High School, his Alma Mater. Elbert is survived by Betty, his wife of 67 years, daughter Diane and Chris Wolfram of Las Vegas, son Russell and Roxanne of Waterloo and daughter-in-law Karna Loewenstein of Council Bluffs; sister Nancy Bolin of Gibbon; his grandchildren Ted Norder, Ryan Loewenstein, Brandon Loewenstein, Jim Loewenstein, Blake Loewenstein, Katie Loewenstein, Alex Hills and Kelsey Wolfgram and fourteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Douglas and great grandson Easton. Condolences and personal reflections may be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorial services will be at Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 1:00 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church of Orleans, Nebraska with Pastor David Irwin, officiating. Inurnment will be at the Deaver Cemetery, near Stamford, Nebraska. Military rites provided by the Stamford American Legion and the U.S. Marine Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the Gibbon or Southern Valley High School Scholarship Foundations. Wenburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.