Dwain L. Banzhaf

Dwain L. Banzhaf of Eustis passed away April 29, 2016 at Cozad Community Hospital at the age of 81. Dwain was born at the farm home of his grandparents, Fred and Grace Volkman, four miles southeast of Orafino on December 17, 1934. He was a twin son of Paul and Velma (Volkman) Banzhaf who lived one mile west of Orafino at the time of his birth. His family lived on several rented farms in Frontier County until they purchased a farm northeast of Orafino. Dwain attended grade school at Orafino and high school in Eustis, graduating with the class of 1952. He was baptized at Orafino on June 16, 1946. After graduation, he went to work for Hi-Line construction company doing work in Nebraska, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. He joined the U.S. Navy on September 26, 1955. Basic training was in San Diego, California. He was then stationed in Hawaii and served on the U.S.S. Hassayampa and the U.S.S. Elkhorn. He was discharged in September of 1959 after completing his four year enlistment. He then moved to Eustis and worked a short time for Reuben Koch before accepting a full time job with Bellamy Elevator. He worked for Monroe Auto Equipment for 9 ½ years. He later worked for Farmland Service Coop in Eustis. He retired in 2005. He was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Hendley, NE in 1960. He was united in marriage to Elna Knappert of rural Hendley, NE on July 30, 1960. They made their home in Eustis, NE. To this union was born one daughter Rhonda, and three sons, Gary, Galen, and Ryan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bow hunting, wood working, kite flying and camping. Preceding him in death were his parents, Paul and Velma Banzhaf; sister, Patricia Thompson; nieces, Jo Banzhaf Evans, Linda Banzhaf Thompson and Crystal Braaten. Survivors include his wife Elna of Eustis; daughter Rhonda of Wood River, NE; son Gary and wife Sharol of Cozad, NE; son Galen and wife Marsha of Overton, NE and son Ryan and wife Tonya of Grand Island, NE; brothers, Harold and Charlene Banzhaf of Indianola, NE and Darrel and Lucile Banzhaf of McCook, NE; grandchildren, Tim Kinsey and wife Crescinda of San Antonio, Texas, Matt Kinsey and special friend Darci Schwaderer of Wood River, NE, Nicholas Kinsey of Kenedy, Texas, Destini Kinsey of Wood River, NE, Cody Banzhaf and wife Stephanie of Albion, NE, Kyle Banzhaf of Gothenburg, NE, Brooke Banzhaf and special friend Gordon Thiessen of Omaha, NE, Samuel and Alexander Banzhaf of Overton, NE, Jenna, Connor and Cameron Banzhaf of Grand Island, NE; great grandchildren, Rylie, Charley and Jackson Kinsey of San Antonio, TX, Masiyha Moore of Wood River, NE and Baylee Kinsey of Lindsay, OK; and many other relatives and close friends. A memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, Eustis with Kathy Gundell, PMA officiating. Burial with military honors will be at 2:00 p.m. Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eustis. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.