In Memory of Ed Kyes

Edward Alan Kyes, 82, of Central City, passed away at Litzenberg Long Term Care in Central City on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 after fighting cancer for several months. He was surrounded by family. Celebration of Life services will be on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Solt-Wagner Community Room from 1-3 p.m. with a Time of Remembrance at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Nathan Musgrave officiating. Burial of ashes at a later date in the Central City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later time. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.

Ed was born on Dec. 26, 1943, in Central City, NE, the youngest of seven children born to Dean and Erma (Gleason) Kyes. He spent his early years at Dist. 23 north and west of Central City thru the 8th grade and graduated from Central City High School as Salutatorian of the Class of 1962. He went on to attend UNL and received his Degree in Civil Engineering in 1967. He was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity. While in school he worked for several Engineering Firms thru scholarships and one of them happened to be in charge of the gate at Memorial Stadium to let the opposing team onto the football field. He kept that job for many years even after moving back home to the farm. We were both fortunate enough to attend Bob Devaney’s first game of coaching at UNL and Osborn’s last game of coaching at the Orange Bowl on Jan. 2, 1998 in Miami, Fla. We held season tickets to both NE Football and Volleyball for a number of years. After graduation he found a job in Omaha working for Walt Rudeen and later with Kirkham Michael until he had the opportunity to return home and take over a family farm in March of 1973.

Ed and Marilyn Holtorf were married on June 14, 1964 and along with their three children moved home to farm in 1973. Son, John joined the family in Dec. of that year. All four children attended Central City Public school. Ed enjoyed following his kids and grandkids in their 4-H and sporting events. He enjoyed coaching T-Ball at the time his boys were playing ball. Playing cards was another family favorite with the Kyes siblings and also many weekends playing cards with friends in Lincoln. Those were very good times and now still good memories. Ed was an avid reader and carried a book or later his Kindle with him wherever he went. He was most happy with a grandchild by his side and one of our many Black Labs following along too.

Ed was on the Clarks Elevator Board at the time they built the new elevator. He along with several other board members spent some evening shifts working on that project. He was also a board member for the Central Platte NRD for many years and thoroughly enjoyed that. Ed attended the Evangelical-Free Church in Central City.

Ed is survived by his wife, Marilyn; Children, Paula (Dan) Opiela of Lincoln, NE, Lee (Kris) Kyes, Lenexa, KS, Steve (Amy) Kyes of Central City and John Kyes of Columbus, NE. Grandchildren: Jake and Luke Opiela, Olivia Kyes (Aisea Toki), Noah Kyes (Lani Gannon), Caleb, Ethan and Corbin Kyes and Lily (Will) Durden and Andrew Kyes. Three step grandchildren: Andrew and Jackie Luebbe, Taylor and Brianna Luebbe and Carly and Carson Arnett and ten step-great grandchildren. Sister, Joan Moyer and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Kyes and many nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Erma Kyes, siblings, Robert and Deloris Kyes, Dorla and LeRoy Schroeder, Marvin Kyes, Rosalie and Jerry Johnson, Larry Kyes, Dennis Moyer and nephew Aaron Kyes and Monte Kyes.