O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Homes & Cremations

History

O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home was established when their predecessor, A.G. Bower started a furniture and undertaking business on Central Avenue and Railroad street in Kearney. They kept that location until moving into a converted house on 22nd and 1st Ave. In July of 1945 Vance A. Nielsen purchased the funeral home. In 1955, he built a new facility at 2115 2nd Ave. In 1957, Vance also purchased the Peterson Funeral Home in Elm Creek. In 1977 he semi-retired and sold the business.

1898-1928 Bower Funeral Home, Central Avenue, Rail Road St., Kearney	1928-1955 Bower/Nielsen Funeral Home, 2121 2nd St., Kearney
1955-1998 Nielsen Funeral Home 2115 2nd St., Kearney
Stephen O'Brien and Gary Straatmann purchased the Funeral Home in September 1994. During May of 1998, they started construction on a 10,000 sq. ft. facility near the Kearney Cemetery and the new Funeral Home was completed in December of that same year.
4115 Ave N., Kearney, NE	Elm Creek, NE