Neal R. Toberer

Neal R. Toberer, age 71 of Cozad, departed this life and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 7, 2015 at his home. Neal was born July 18, 1943 in Gothenburg, Nebraska to John and Buford (Groenwold) Toberer. He grew up on a farm south of Cozad on Welch Hill. He graduated from Cozad High School in 1961. Following graduation, Neal attended Business School in Colorado, training to be a CPA. In 1962 Neal took over the farm after his father passed away as the result of an accident. On December 10, 1966 Neal married the love of his life, Sharon Gerken in Lexington, Nebraska. In the summer of 1966, Neal and Sharon attended a Billy Graham evangelistic movie and as a result, Neal accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Their life consisted of living around the Cozad area. Over the years, Neal and Sharon kept busy farming. They owned a feed lot cleaning business and a nursery greenhouse in Gothenburg. They also enjoyed going to auctions around the country and buying and selling antiques together. During Neal's life, both he and Sharon have been very committed to serving the Lord at both the Lexington and Cozad Berean Churches. Neal has served as a youth leader, on the board of elders, head of usher's and drove the church bus. Neal was very instrumental in both planning and construction of the Cozad Berean Church building addition in 1976. In the early 1970's, Neal and Sharon supported and traveled with the Jerry Brandt ministry. Over the years the Lord laid on Neal's heart to give Bibles to anyone that wanted a Bible and couldn't afford one. This led Neal and Sharon to establish and oversee "The Lighthouse Ministry", which provided Bibles throughout the world. Neal was an active member of the local Gothenburg Camp of the Gideons. This ministry also provides Bibles around the world. In his later years, Neal enjoyed driving a semi, until his health forced his retirement. Neal was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Alethia Kendall. He is survived by his wife Sharon of 48 years; niece Karmel Clark and family of Traverse City, MI; and a multitude of church family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory at the Cozad Bible Church to purchase Gideon Bibles. Graveside services will be held Monday, January 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Greenwood Cemetery North of Lexington. Lunch will follow at God Rock, 304 West 10th Street in Cozad. Celebration of Life Services will be held Monday, January 12, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Cozad Bible Church, 1602 Avenue O. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home with family receiving friends. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.