Harold 'Duce' Bryce Hartzer

Harold Bryce Duce Hartzer of Culbertson passed away Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. He was 81 years old. Duce, a nickname that was given to him by his father, was born on April 21, 1935, on the family farm south of Wauneta, Nebraska to parents, Willis Walden and Inez Iola (Cross) Hartzer. He graduated from Wauneta High School in 1952. He was married to Beth Ann Elliott on July 15, 1956. They made their home south of Wauneta for a short time before moving to rural Culbertson. To this union three children were born. Duce along with Beth Ann would farm and raise a cow/calf operation for the next 60 some years until their retirement. Duce also served occasionally as a cop for Culbertson and was a crop adjuster for several years. Duce was active in the Culbertson United Methodist Church, McCook Elks Lodge where he was a card dealer for many years, McCook Eagles, Masonic Lodge and Tehamah Shrine. Duce was known for the gift of gab, never meeting a stranger. His infectious smile and fun-loving personality was apparent to all of those whom he came in contact with, whether it be at an auction, playing cards, shooting pool, telling a good story, watching a good Husker game, or simply having a cup of coffee with family and friends. He was known to his family as hard-working, an incredible father and grandfather, and devoted loving husband. Preceding him in death were his parents, Willis and Inez Hartzer; brother, Wallace Ace Hartzer; brother-in-law, Don Miller; and in-laws, Howard and Florence Elliott. Survivors include his loving wife of more than 60 years, Beth Ann Hartzer of Culbertson; daughter, Melody and husband, Tom Ferneau, of Culbertson; two sons, Yancey Hartzer and wife, Janell, of Culbertson and Tony Hartzer and wife, Barb, of Central Point, OR; grandchildren, Elliott (fianc Heather) Ferneau, Constance (Jason) Stone, Dustin Hartzer, Corin (Wyatt) Hoagland, Jessica (Steve) Herndon and Calan Hartzer; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Gaylin Joker Hartzer and wife, Loyann, of Wauneta; sister, Shirlee Miller of Syracuse , Nebraska; sister-in-law Eva Hartzer of Salem, Oregon ; numerous family and a host of friends. Memorials may be given in his name. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 22, 2016, 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. with family present at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Friends may go online at www.herrmannfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 23, 2016, 2:30 p.m. at the Culbertson United Methodist Church with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating. Burial will follow at the Culbertson Cemetery. Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Family will be present to greet friends.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016 2:30 PM