John William “Bill” Usher, 94, of Humboldt, Nebraska was born to John Emerson and Etta Martha (Rhoades) Usher on August 19, 1927 in Falls City, Nebraska.  He was raised on the family farm near Humboldt where he graduated from Bratton Union Consolidated High School.  Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 6, 1946 and served his country receiving the World War II Victory Medal.  On May 21, 1949, Bill was united in marriage to Betty Marts in Lincoln, Nebraska.  To this union three children, Michael, Thomas, and Virginia were born.  The couple began their married life farming south of Humboldt before Bill started driving truck for the O.A. Cooper Company. In 1966, Bill became a self-employed carpenter as Betty began her career as a postal clerk at the Humboldt Post Office. 

In 1948, Bill joined the Odd Fellows Lodge #34 in Humboldt and has served the lodge in many positions locally and nationally.  He served the lodge as noble grand many times, Grand Master from 1991-1992 and was Nebraska Grand Treasurer for 20 years.  Bill also served on the board of the Colonial Acres Nursing Home for 20 years and was a member of the United Methodist Church and Harvey-Mann Legion Post #269.

Bill passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska having reached the age of ninety-four years, eight months, and five days.  He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Betty.

Bill is survived by his loving children: Michael Usher and wife Vicki of Highland, IL; Thomas Usher and wife Pam of Grand Island, NE; daughter Virginia Fosket and husband Jim of Grand Island, NE; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; 1 step-great-great grandchild; his sister Betty Blecha of Humboldt, NE; brother Bob Usher and wife Lea of San Antonio, TX; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Dorothy Smith officiating. A funeral luncheon for Bill will be held prior to services at the church from 11:00 a.m.-noon with family present.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Interment will immediately follow services at the Humboldt Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Harvey-Mann Legion Post #269 and the Nebraska Army Funeral Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family with a later designation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary- 207 N. Nemaha ST.-Humboldt, NE