Delroy L. Hemsath, 79 of Kearney passed away Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.
Delroy was born Nov. 13, 1945, on the family farm near Milford to Ludwig A. and Louise R. (Barth) Hemsath. He received his education from Milford High School. Delory later attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Agronomy. Delroy proudly served in the U.S. Army from July of 1968, until his honorable discharge in July of 1970. Upon returning home from Vietnam, Delroy was united in marriage to Alice Newton on Aug. 15, 1970, in Ainsworth.
Delroy worked as an instructor and Department Chair for the University of Nebraska School of Technology and Agriculture from 1972-1988. He later worked at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture from 1989-2002. Delroy served as the Extension Educator for Frontier, Dakota, Dixon and Thurston counties from 2003 until his retirement.
He was an avid gardener and an active member of the Kearney First United Methodist Church, where he was involved with the East Lawn Food Pantry. Delroy was a volunteer at the Frank Museum, Yanney Park and served as president of Soul Sisters and Misters Garden Club. He was also an involved member of the American Legion and often spoke at Veterans Day ceremonies.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Alice Hemsath of Kearney; son, Tim Hemsath of Omaha; daughter, Kristen (Marcus) Dunbar of Kearney; grandchildren, Sawyer Hemsath, Kelsie Dunbar and Ian Dunbar; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Delroy was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Donna Erb, Faye Luckert and Walter Hemsath.
The memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the Kearney First United Methodist Church with interment at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team in Conjunction with the North Platte Funeral Honors Team. Memorial contributions are suggested to the East Lawn Food Pantry. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com.
Arrangements by O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney.
