Arlyn LeRoy Osborn

Arlyn LeRoy Osborn a lifetime Cozad area resident passed away October 29th, 2020 at Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living in Cozad, Nebraska he was 80 years old. Arlyn was born to Clarence and Minnie (Robertson) at his parents’ home on Redfern table north of Cozad on December 5, 1939.  Arlyn was a farmer & rancher in the Dawson County area for over 60 years.

Arlyn graduated from Cozad High School with the Class of 1958. He began his farming career with his Dad on their farm in the sandhills north of Cozad. Through his high school years, Arlyn worked as a hired hand for Herb and Glenda France on their farm. On October 3, 1959 Arlyn married his high school sweetheart Kay (Sculley).  Arlyn and Kay bought their home place that same year and raised their three children, Kevin, Kim and Kraig there.

Arlyn built his farm and ranch operation over time. He started his cattle operation with a small herd that he built over the years.  Arlyn was awarded Nebraska Outstanding Young Farmer in 1968. In the late 1960’s, he expanded his operation by forming a partnership with Jack Randecker of Farman.  Arlyn and Jack continued to work together for over 50 years, that relationship continues today with Arlyn and Jacks’ sons.  Arlyn was very proud of how he built his cattle operation and took great pride in the black angus bloodline.  He would study bloodlines and watch auctions for hours.  His pride was on bull auction day to sit with his sons and grandsons and bid on the bulls they had researched.  He didn’t always end up with his top pick but he had alternates lined up.  If he was not watching an auction, he was watching a rodeo, no matter if it was current day or a rodeo from the 70’s.  Arlyn was a proud member of the Night Riders.  He loved westerns… his favorites were Gunsmoke and Bonanza.

During the harvest of 1984, Arlyn was involved in a farm accident which resulted in the loss of his left leg. Arlyn spent many weeks recovering following the accident.  He returned home and never let it slow him down. Arlyn continued to ride horses, run tractors, mow alfalfa and work hard for the rest of his life.  Giving up was never an option for him, that determination and persistence are traits he has passed down to his children.

Arlyn was a member of the Cozad Elks Lodge #2250 and was Exalted Ruler from 1972-1973.  He was present at his sons and grandsons’ initiations into the Elks Lodge and proud of the three-generation legacy.  Arlyn never really had any hobbies that did not revolve around working on the farm. He enjoyed going to the races to watch his sons and grandsons race stock cars. His best times were loading up the pickup with his red heeler dog ‘Patches, to either go check cows or mow hay. His good friend Stan asked him recently, “Arlyn what is your favorite part of farming”.  Arlyn answered with a big white smile and gentle laugh, “mowing hay”.  He was always happy in the swather mowing hay, with his dog right by his side always.

Arlyn is survived by his children.  Sons, Kevin Osborn and wife Teresa, Kraig Osborn and wife Ann, both of Cozad.  Daughter, Kim Wolkenhauer and husband Herb of Lincoln. Grandchildren: Ryan Osborn of Denton, Colton Osborn and wife Stephanie, Cale Osborn and wife Ashley, Blake Osborn and Carrie Osborn, all of Cozad; 7 Great-Grandchildren: Ava, Zach, Cole, Ashton, Alec, Harper and Caine; Nephews: Bruce Osborn and wife Jean of Littleton, CO, David Osborn of Grand Island, Terry Osborn of Lincoln; Mike Sculley of North Platte and numerous cousins and friends.

Arlyn was preceded in death by his wife, Kay. His parents Clarence and Minnie Osborn, Brothers and sister in-laws: Rex Osborn and wife Pat. Jim Osborn and wife Doris.

A memorial has been established in Arlyn’s name for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, November 2, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.