David Kubert

Dave was born on August 17, 1948 in Lincoln and lived the majority of his married life in Waverly and Malcolm. He was one of five children of Lambert (Lum) and Alice (Peterson) Kubert. Dave had a love for cars and the outdoors. Growing up, he began his working career at 16 as a car washer/mechanic apprentice at a car lot before moving on to Henkle & Joyce Hardware until he turned 18 and was able to join the railroad. A 1966 graduate of Malcolm High School, he was drafted into the Vietnam War and served as a Marine from 1968 - 1974. While serving his country, he earned many medals, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Rifle Expert Badge. Upon his return from war, he returned to the railroad and met the love of his life Kathryn Jelinek at Little Bo’s on Cornhusker Highway in Lincoln. He attended trade school to become an Electrician and his early career included time at Russell Stovers before working for a housing contractor until a good friend helped bring him on board to Goodyear, where he worked & retired many years later. Married to Kathy on August 13, 1971, Dave played an active role in the lives of his four children that they raised. He coached the summer-rec teams and had many interests, including annual family vacations campground-style, motorcycle touring around the country (mostly to the mountains), boating at Branched Oak lake, birdwatching, and cycling. Dave was a devoted NASCAR fan who attended many Brickyard 400 races and loved dirt bikes, sprint car racing and building custom RC cars he raced with his children. He completed the Bike Ride Across Nebraska with his family many times and loved tinkering around his acreage, where he built his final home. He erected many birdhouses, had a knack for attracting hummingbirds and watched the 4-6 deer that often hung near his pond and driveway. He was also a pet lover and enjoyed his years caring for dogs Buffy, Duchess, Sammy, Wendy, Abby and cats Chloe & Shania.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brother Cliff Kubert and brother-in-law Lyle Cleary.

He is survived by his wife Kathryn (Kathy) and children: Kris Vrtiska (Kim) of Plattsmouth, Kim Weaver (Chas) of Bellevue, Korinne Fancher of Elkhorn and Derik Kubert of Blair. He leaves behind grandchildren: Baylee, Rudy (Reagan), Joe, Caden, Tyson, Kali, Trey, Adalynn, Deegan and his first great-grandchild due in March 2026. Additional survivors include siblings: Marge Cleary, sister-in-law Evelyn Kubert, Marie Okray (Al) and Ray Kubert (Stephanie).