John "Gus" A. Exstrom, 96, of Kearney, formerly of Minden and Axtell, passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at the Central Nebraska Veteran's Home in Kearney. Graveside services with military presentation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska. The casket will be closed and there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Minden American Legion or to the Heartwell Veterans of Foreign Wars. Craig Funeral Home in Minden is in charge of the arrangements.

John August Exstrom was born on January 30, 1926 in Axtell, Nebraska to Walter and Martha (Almquist) Exstrom. He was the eighth child in a family of fourteen children. He was only 11 years old when his mother passed away in 1937, His father passed away three years later. John then went to live with his Aunt Elsie in Trenton, Nebraska.

John enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1944 and faithfully served his country until being honorably discharged in June of 1946. He was united in marriage to Joanne Felker on July 30, 1950 and to this union, four children were born: Collene, Kent, Kevin, and Greg.

John absolutely loved to golf – you could find him on the golf course nearly every day. After a game of golf he enjoyed a cold beer. John worked for many years in the Banking industry until his retirement.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Collene (Doug) Pearman of Maxwell, NE, Kent (Cindy) Exstrom of Vinton, VA, Kevin (Karen) Exstrom of Columbus, MT, Greg (Linda) Exstrom of Elliston, VA; grandchildren: Mary, Joesy; three great-grandchildren: Robert, Juniper and Bodhi; brother, Grant "Bud" Exstrom of Lincoln; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Walter, Jerome, Wilma, Lloyd, Warren, Maynard, Martha, Kenneth, Dwight, Dwayne, Robert and Delorse.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .