Maurice “Rodeo” Dean Wiggans

Maurice "Rodeo" Dean Wiggans (age 73) passed away at Gardenside Long-Term Care facility on March 23, 2025, surrounded by family. Rodeo was born on December 6, 1951, to Thelma Alexander and William Harley Wiggans in Concordia, KS. He was baptized at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Linn, KS. He became a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Washington, KS, and had perfect Sunday School attendance for several years. He attended Washington County High School where he was a member of the FFA. He graduated from Washington County High School in 1970. Rodeo then attended Community College in Beloit, KS, to obtain his degree in Diesel Mechanics. Rodeo married Carlene Herfel on December 30, 1977. To this union three daughters were born Kimberly, Kristy and Angela. Rodeo's first job was at the Washington Veterinarian Clinic working for Doc Beam. This ignited his love of horses. Rodeo was a member of the Boy Scouts and completed all the requirements to earn his Eagle Scout and was a member of a local 4-H club. He was a member of the Pony Express Association and held office on the Blue Valley Beef Review committee for many years. He was also a member of the Washington County Saddle Club and a lifetime member of the Nebraska Angus Association. Rodeo worked several jobs over the course of his life but the one he was most passionate about was raising his daughters and their Registered Angus Cattle. In his free time, he enjoyed team roping, riding horses, fishing and boating. When Rodeo wasn't working his real jobs or raising his cows, he spent many hours with his kids and grandkids. From playing baseball, basketball, volleyball, football, cheer, dance, and he spent lots of time watching them in the show ring with their 4-H and FFA projects. One of Rodeo's favorite "jobs" was taste testing all of the baked goods that would be entered at the county fair! In the fall he always enjoyed hunting with his neighbor friends. Even after "retiring", he continued to help neighbors hauling grain, rock, gravel or anything that was needed. Rodeo never knew a stranger and could always strike up a conversation. Rodeo is survived by his wife, Carlene of 47 years; daughters Kimberly (Chris) Behrends, Omaha, NE; Kristy (Adam) Bolek, Alliance, NE; and Angela (Randy) Peitzmeier, Diller, NE. Grandchildren Chase and Mason Behrends, Rasine "Roz" Bolek, Makenzie and Wyatt Peitzmeier. Sister, Susan (Tom) Cooney, Hollister, MO; Brother-in-law, John (Marvel) Herfel of Beatrice, NE; Brother-in-Law, Delmar Herfel of Cozad, NE; Sister-in-Law, Loretta (Gerald) Epp, Brewster, NE. as well as many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Rodeo is preceded in death by his parents, William Harley and Thelma Wiggans.Parents in law Carl and Etta Herfel. Visitation will be March 28, 2025, at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury, NE, from 6-8 pm. Funeral Service will be March 29, 2025, at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury, NE, at 10:30. Family requests casual or western apparel. Burial will take place at a later date. Family would like to invite you to join them for a luncheon at Grace Lutheran Church following the service. Memorials can be sent to Diller Fire and Rescue Diller, NE or to the family at 57960 715 Road Jansen, NE for 4-H/FFA Scholarships. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com

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