Josef C. Straub

Josef C. "Joe" Straub, 82, of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska.

Joe was born on December 4, 1943, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the son of E. Carl and Irene M. (Carstensen) Straub. He graduated from Livermore High School in Livermore, CA, in 1962.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1965, honorably discharged at the rank of Airman First Class. During his time in the military, Joe was stationed primarily at Mt. Hebo Air Force Station in Oregon.

On November 29, 1975, Joe married Carolyn Bratten. Together they made their home in Ogallala and were blessed with four children.

Joe worked various jobs throughout his life, but he particularly enjoyed his time driving new military enlistees to their introductory services, where he was able to talk with them and give them an idea of what they could expect and prepare for in their time in the service. He also enjoyed his time working for the City of Ogallala Street Department, where he was employed at the time of his passing.

A devout Catholic, Joe was a longtime parishioner of St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala, where he was a mainstay, usually found serving as an usher at Sunday Mass. Beyond his faith and family, Joe enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including bicycling, working on electronics, and taking on projects around the house. He also enjoyed fishing, especially with his grandson.

Joe is survived by his wife, Carolyn Straub, of Ogallala; his sons, Mike Straub and Tim Straub; his daughters, Carrie Straub and Beck Straub (Josh Pollitz); his grandson, Marco Wilson; his brothers, Tom (Betsy) Straub, Mark (Cheryl) Straub, and Pete (Susie) Straub; his sisters, Mary Straub, Barbara "Ariane" Canas (James Windus), and Cecilia (Yves) Timon; his sisters-in-law, Madelyn (Gary) Bishop, Sheryl Bratten, and Sally Schaal; his brother-in-law, Don McCready, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Irene Straub; his sister, Margaret "Maggie" Irene (Straub) McCready; and his brothers John Straub, Clement Straub, and Charles Straub.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 3rd 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala, with Father Suresh Bandha as Celebrant. The Rosary will be recited prior to Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment of cremains will be in the Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Avoca, NE on June 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

A memorial has been established in Joe's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared with the family at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.

Arrangements are entrusted to Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala.