Memorial Services for Dean E. Nightser Jr., age 77, of O'Neill, will be at 5:30 P.M., Monday, February 27, 2017, at Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill.

Memorial Visitation will be from 3-5:30 P.M. at the church.  Rev. John Nelson, Jr. will officiate.

Dean passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at his home in O'Neill.  Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is helping in with arrangements.

Dean was born on September 7, 1939 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Dean and Betty (Shreeves) Nightser.  He traveled around the country with his family a great deal when he was young.  His father was in several big bands and the family spent time in Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and eventually Chicago.  Dean attended 1 ^st through 4 ^th grade in Chicago.

His family moved back to Council Bluffs after his mother got tired of all the crime and violence.  Music was very important to Dean, especially the trumpet.  Dean's father made sure that he practiced two hours very day no matter what.  In 1957, Dean was entered the Iowa State High School Music Contest in 5 different categories and won 1 ^st place in all of them.

Dean met Betty Hoffman at the Omaha Sports Club and they were married on May 12, 1989 in Council Bluffs.  The couple later retired to O'Neill, Nebraska.

Dean is survived by his wife of 27 years, Betty Nightser of O'Neill; three brothers, Gary Nightser and wife, Judy, of Council Bluffs, Dale Nightser and wife, Nancy, of Council Bluffs, and Mark Nightser and wife, MaryAnn, of Papillion; many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents.