Community Gathers To Celebrate Nate Metschke's Life

About 1,000 people attended the celebration of life service Friday night for Neligh-Oakdale band teacher Nate Metschke, who succumbed to cancer on Christmas Eve. His wife, Darcy, shared memories of her husband, including his marriage proposal at Long John Silvers and his love of making people smile.

Musicians from across the state performed during the celebration, and Neligh-Oakdale students were invited to the stage to join them in playing the school fight song. The music was directed by Metschke’s high school teacher, Duane DeVries.
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He is survived by his wife, Darcy and children Madison, Benson, and Ansley of Neligh, NE. Parents, Phillip and Maureen Metschke of Chambers, NE. Brothers: Kent and Kim Metschke of Elkhorn, NE, Luke and Mary Metschke of Elkhorn, NE, Dane and Ellie Metschke of Chambers, NE, and sister, Emily and Derek Waits of Valentine, NE. Father and mother-in-law, Gordon and Gloria Breithaupt of Fremont, NE. Sister-in-law, Kristy and Steven Broers of Fontanelle, IA. Many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces and many friends.