Jack was born on June 5, 1936 to Joseph & Frances (Johnson) Nitz on the family farm west of Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska. Jack attended District 13 just east of the farm. Jack graduated from Cedar Bluffs High School in 1954. Jack was heavily involved in 4-H and showing Guernsey cattle and was a herdsman for the Roberts Dairy show herd. Jack won many Guernsey championships including Grand Champion at Ak-Sar-Ben each year from 1953 to 1956 in addition to winning many dairy showmanship contests. Jack also served in the Nebraska Air Guard from 1956-62.
Jack married the love of his life, Delores Kavan, on January 14, 1956 at Sinai Lutheran Church in Fremont. To this union, two children were adopted from the Nebraska Children's Home Society in Omaha. Jay was adopted in March of 1965 at the age of 5 weeks. Jennie was adopted in March of 1967 at the age of 6 weeks. Delores passed away on February 1, 2014.
Jack and Delores farmed side by side at the family farm west of Cedar Bluffs. After the passing of Jack's father in 1962, Jack took a leap of faith with his best friend Willis Armbrust and attended The Reisch American School of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, graduating in December of 1964. Jack and Delores sold the Guernsey herd in 1967 and embarked on running their full-time auction company, Jack Nitz & Associates.
In 1970 Jack earned his Nebraska Real Estate Salesperson license and his Brokers license in 1979. In 1976 Don Peterson asked Jack to become a partner with Don Peterson & Associates. Don was a great friend and Jack remained with the company until 1981 after Don's passing. Jack founded the Farm Department for Don Peterson & Associates.
Jack and Delores handed over the torch of the of the business to Jay in 2003. But Jack remained as Chairman of the Board for the company until his passing. Jack conducted over 2,000 auctions since 1962 including farm, dairy, real estate, business liquidations, hay mills, vehicle, household, and antiques in seven states: Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, North & South Dakota and Idaho. Jack mentored and trained many aspiring auctioneers during his career. Jack was an instructor at the Nebraska Auction School for many years and he never hesitated to offer advice or take a new auctioneer under his wing. Jack and Delores also founded the Nebraska Auctioneers Association Foundation for the benefit of the organization and its members.
Jack had an affinity for trailers, so he founded Nitz Equipment LLC over 20 years ago and exclusively offered Hillsboro Industries Trailers and Flatbeds. In 2019 he was recognized as the #1 Top Selling Aluminum Truck Bed dealer and Top 5 Dealer in sales overall for Hillsboro Industries in the nation. Jennie joined Jack in September of 2020 and will be continuing the flatbed business.
Jack was a tireless volunteer who donated his time, talent, and resources to many organizations. Jack was a long time 4-H leader and judged many county fair dairy shows. He also founded and conducted the annual Cedar Bluffs Community Benefit Auction for over 40 years. Jack conducted and participated in hundreds of benefit auctions over his career. Jack served on many boards including: Sinai Lutheran Church, Saunders County Fair Board (Past President), Cedar Bluffs School Board, Fremont Board of Realtors (Past President), Valley View Homeowners Association, Fremont Shrine Club (Past President) Nebraska Auctioneers Association (Past President) and the National Auctioneers Association.
Jack was honored by the National Auctioneers Association when he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1997, their highest recognition. He was also inducted into the Nebraska Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame in 2009 and was that organization's Auctioneer of the Year in 1992. Jack was honored by his alma mater, Cedar Bluffs Public School, when he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2014.
Jack loved collecting John Deere & International tractors and toys. He amassed a collection of over 300 toys and 25 life size tractors. In 2018 Jack donated a tractor to the Cedar Bluffs High School SkillsUSA program so they could restore the tractor and raise money for their program by raffling the tractor off.
But Jack's true pride in life was his children and grandchildren. He was an extremely involved "G-PA" who attended numerous games, concerts, and ceremonies for the kid's accomplishments. He would beam with pride and made sure to tell everyone how proud he was of them.
Jack is survived by his loving family: Son & daughter-in-law, Jay & Vicki Nitz of Cedar Bluffs; Daughter & son-in-law, Jennie & Ray Rasmussen of the Fremont area; Granddaughter, Courtney Nitz-Mensik & Fiance Jerry Buman of Papillion; Grandson Justin Nitz of Cedar Bluffs; Granddaughter Piper Rasmussen of the Fremont area; Grandson Jeremy & Nikki Rasmussen of Texas and many beloved brothers-in-law & their spouses, sister-in-law & spouse, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jack is preceded in death by his wife Delores; his parents; Delores' parents; sister Marjorie Melton & her husband Larry; niece Nancy Youngberg; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and a nephew.
Public visitation, Sunday, November 8th at Ludvigsen Mortuary from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Family will NOT be present. Private family services will be held with a public celebration to be held at a later date. Private Family Internment will be at Sunrise North Cemetery at Wahoo, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers/plants, memorials may be directed to, The Nebraska Children's Home Society, the Nebraska Auctioneers Association Foundation or Sinai Lutheran Church.
Ludvigsen Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Due to seating limitations, the Masonic Service will be private. You can watch a livestream of the Masonic Service beginning at 6pm on Sunday. We apologize for the inconvenience but we are doing our best to follow the recommended guidelines in keeping people safe.
To view the Masonic Service please copy the following link:
https://youtu.be/vSuC66I9Y_c
Condolences(21)
Allan & Jill Woodward
Broken Bow & Elkhorn, NE Tuesday, December 1, 2020 I called Jack to shoot the breezewith him on my way through Fremont, enroute to My Sandhills. We always had a good time catching up on what each other's families were doing, talking about real estate, farming/ranching, auctioneering, and a little bit of hanger flying(mostly by me) sometimes too. We always had to have at least a couple of belly laughs along the way, and ended the conversations with talk to you next time....I'll always think of Jack & Delores on my next trip to my Sandhills, as I go through Fremont...kiitosia...nakemiin...Jill
Mars Garey
Omaha, NE Friday, November 13, 2020 Dear Jay and Jenny, We are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. We have so many fond memories of time we spent together with each other, working some Real Estate and Antique sales together, attending National Auctioneer Conventions and studying for the CAI designation. On behalf of Greg and myself we wish for you God's Love and Pease.Tom Hamernik
Clarkson, NE Thursday, November 12, 2020 Nitz Family, Please accept our deepest condolences. Jack served with my Dad in the NE ANG. I always enjoyed visiting with Jack. He and Jennie liked to pickup baking at the Clarkson Bakery. My Mom Shirley offers her prayers for your family.Sincerely, Tom Hamernik
Jim Peterson
Lincoln, NE Monday, November 9, 2020 I met Jack quite a few years ago through the Nebraska Auctioneers Assoc. Even though I was a newcomer at the time, he always remembered my name no matter how long it had been since we had last seen each other. A few years ago an auction company from out of state was conducting an auction in Lincoln and apparently they called Jack and asked if he knew of anyone who would work the ring. Jack recommended me. I did work the sale and was paid a fair wage. I really appreciated that. I am sorry Jack had to leave us. I'll always remember him.Doug Janovec
Amarillo, TX Sunday, November 8, 2020 Dearest Jay, Jennie, and family,I am so thankful that Jack came into my life. He not only provided me with a job in working on the farm but also provided such a great role model in his serving others and having a gentle and humble spirit. I look back at those days and reflect how he impacted my life and has impacted the scores of so many.
May the Lord bless you each with his comfort and peace and love in this season.
Love you dearly,
Doug
Lynn Farrand Miller
Ames, NE Sunday, November 8, 2020 So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad my thoughts and prayers are with you bothLaurie Wittstruck Askew
Malin, OR Saturday, November 7, 2020 Dear Jay & Jennie and families,We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your dad, Jack. He was a wonderful guy from a wonderful family. He will be missed.
Sending you love and peace.
Laurie & Bill Wittstruck Askew
Joan Wittstruck
Ken Wesely
Omaha, NE Friday, November 6, 2020 Many times I would travel from Omaha without my wife, Ali to attend the polka music performance at Abie's Place or Kolache Corner in Prague and Jack and I would share a table together. I also saw him several times at the Malmo Community Auction on President's Birthday each year. He was always very kind and fun loving. I will miss him at these future events naturally looking for him as I come in. I am sad that he has left us. I will pray that the Lord gives his family strength during this difficult time. Ken WeselyPaul Peterson
FREMONT, NE Friday, November 6, 2020 Sincere prayers for comfort and support to Jack's family. He was a great man and more importantly a good man. He was loved by his church family and will be greatly missed. I can't imagine not seeing him in church anymore but I will carry the friendship he showed me in my heart forever.Peace and Love
Pastor Fred & Jane Hertwig
Lincoln, MO Friday, November 6, 2020 Dear Jay and Jennie,WE saw your dad's picture in the Fremont Obits and this passage came to mind from Psalm 71:18, "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." Let this be our prayer and action as we near our time to be with Jesus. Alleluia! God's peace be with your family.
Julie and Marvin White
villisca, IA Thursday, November 5, 2020 What memories (and pictures) we have of both Jack and Delores in 4-H and the Guernsey dairy cattle. The Lemke family and Nitz's shared spaces during the fair and all the other things 4-H families share. The get togethers of the extension ladies with Frances and Joe included alot of card playing. It was with gratitude that I learned my Uncle Boyd Conklin would "find Jack" when he was back in the Cedar neighborhood (and be included on the tractor rides "parades". My what a good family to call friends. You have out sympathy and prayers.Bill Kodad
Lincoln, NE Thursday, November 5, 2020 My condolence to the Nitz family, we really appreciate everything you did for my mother Dee in Columbus. Your a great family and Jack was a great guy. God Bless.Mark & Theresa Ingram
Columbus, NE Wednesday, November 4, 2020 To the Nitz family: our deepest sympathy. We have lots of fond memories of Jack at the National Auctioneers Conventions. Mark enjoyed attending his auctions as well! God Bless.Liz Breci
Omaha, NE Wednesday, November 4, 2020 My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Jack was such a kind man and he will be greatly missed.Roma J. Black
Wahoo, NE Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Our sympathy and empathy for the families. Jack is well remembered from the years past.The Dammann's
Cedar Bluffs, NE Tuesday, November 3, 2020 We are all saddened by the passing of Jack.Our deepest condolences. Your in our hearts and prayers.
ed & Barb Malina
prague, NE Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Our deepest sympathy to your family. We would see Jack quite often at the Bottom Road eating and always stopped to talk. Our thoughts and prayers and with your family.Lindy Elson
Curtis, NE Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Our deepest condolences to entire Nitz family,Jack was truly a friend to everyone he met, he welcomed Regina and me into the Nebraska Auctioneer Association with open arms, we will never forget him. Lindygeri Anthony
Omaha, NE Monday, November 2, 2020 Dear Jay and Jenny and all your Families,Our sincerest sympathies to all of you.God bless you,
Jack was such a great guy.
Myron and Geri Anthony
Andy
Pearson, NE Sunday, November 1, 2020 My sympathies to the Nitz family. I am deeply saddened by his passing. That said he will be the best Auctioneer in heaven!He was the most honest and big hearted man that I have ever met or done business with. He will always be my friend.
John L. Maly
Chetek, WI Sunday, November 1, 2020 Dear Nitz Family,My condolences go out to all of you regarding the loss of Jack. Your in my thoughts and prayers.