John F. Kohout

John F. Kohout of Cortland, Nebraska, passed away April 8, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born March 14, 1944, in Seward, Nebraska, to Frank and Helen (Hromas) Kohout, and was one of six children. John grew up on the family farm in rural Dwight, Nebraska, and began elementary school speaking only Czech. He attended Dwight Assumption through the 11th grade and then graduated from David City Aquinas in 1962. After high school, he attended Nebraska Business Institute.

From 1964 through 1970, John served as a member of the Army National Guard. He worked as a data processor in several banks, including National Bank of Commerce. In 1993, John and Judy started Kohout's Tree Farm.

John met his future wife, Judy Cramer, when they both worked for the National Bank of Commerce. They were married in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 29, 1967, and made their home in Cortland, Nebraska, where they raised their four children.

John was known for his steady enjoyment of the everyday things that made life rich: gardening and keeping an eye on the weather. He could often be seen driving around Cortland, checking to see what was going on and stopping to visit with friends. He followed Husker sports, enjoyed polka music with a Busch Lite, and took pride in family moments—especially when his sons played baseball for Peru State College and his daughters played softball. With a well-known sweet tooth, John never hesitated to claim his share of Kolaches.

A faithful member of St. James Catholic Church in Cortland, John also gave his time as a youth baseball coach, offering his guidance and encouragement to young players in the community.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his son, Chad; his parents; his brother, Ray; his in-laws Alvin and Frieda Cramer and his brother-in-law, Gene Cramer.

He is survived by his children, Cynthia “Cindy” (Bill) Price, Scott (Lisa) Kohout, and Gina (Todd) Vergil; and by his grandchildren, Blake, Preston & Connor (Valerie) Price, Caden Kohout, Carli (Treyton) Hippen, Treyton, Beau, and Beckett Vergil. He is also survived by his siblings, Elaine (Dick deceased) Tomasevicz, Francis (Joyce) Kohout, Margaret (Bernie deceased) Bartek, and Ernest (Laurie) Kohout; his sisters-in-law Cheryl Cramer and Joan (Gaylen) DeVries; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church, 500 West 1st, Cortland, Nebraska, on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, followed by the Rosary at 6:30 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Catholic Church, 500 West 1st, Cortland, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:30 am.

The family would like to express their eternal gratitude to the staff of Home Instead for the exceptional in-home care given to John, and to the staff at Lakeview Care Center in Firth for their love and care.

Please consider giving memorials to one of the following;

Titan Athletic Complex (TAC)

Cortland Fire and Rescue

St. James Catholic Church Building Fund

or to the family for future designation.