LYMAN, Nebraska – Margaret Lucille (Marky) Kautz, 88, of Huntley and Lyman, Nebraska, passed away July 3, 2023, at Life Care Center of Cheyenne.
Marky was born on May 2, 1935 to George and Delores Johnson. She was one of five Johnson children, along with brothers Don (Velva Jo) and Max (Dorothy), and sisters Gwen (LeRoy) Herder and Carol June (Ed) McQueen. Her brothers and parents predeceased her.
The Johnson family farmed in the Kiowa, Nebraska area before moving to farm east of Huntley, Wyoming. Marky graduated from Huntley High school in May, 1953, and on June 26, 1953 married Ronald Kautz of Lyman. Together they farmed and started a family between Morrill and Lyman, raising three sons, Keith (Karen) of Cheyenne, Bruce (Patricia) of Colorado Springs, and Lowell (Susan) of Huntley. In addition to her sons, Marky is survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1965 Marky and Ron returned to the Huntley Farm, and that remained her true home until her death. She made the farm a special place for grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many others, involving them in wonderful adventures and all aspects of farm life.
Marky had a lifelong love of teaching and education. She taught Sunday School for many, many years. While on the Morrill farm she attended Western Nebraska Community College and graduated from Chadron State College in 1965 with a degree in Business Education. She then had long and distinguished careers teaching high school business in Morrill, Nebraska and Torrington, developing lasting relationships with dozens of students and colleagues. Marky officially retired from full-time teaching in 1993, but continued substitute teaching at many schools. She served on the Goshen County School Board for two full terms, from 1996-2004.
Music was a special place in Marky’s life. She was a talented keyboardist, playing the piano, organ and accordion. She shared her talent with many, as piano and organ accompanist at her church and providing accompaniment for many individuals and groups.
Marky had a strong faith in Jesus, was a devoted and active member of the Lyman Christian Church as long as she was able. She was active with and supported many missions and Christian organizations, especially Summit Christian College. She had a remarkable impact on her family, community and all who met her.
A memorial service will be held at the Lyman Christian Church, Lyman, Nebraska on August 19, 2023 at 11 a.m..
