Dennis C. Haller

Dennis "Denny" Haller, 79 of Kearney passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026 in Omaha, NE. Denny was born January 6, 1947, in Bladen, Nebraska, to Karl and Viola (Heinrich) Haller. He attended country school in Hartwell and spent much of his early life working alongside his dad and brothers on the family farm. Even in a small country school, Denny had no trouble making friends. He loved people, loved a good conversation, and seemed to have a special talent for turning strangers into friends. That gift stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Minden High School in 1965 and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1971. In 1967, Denny married Rita Zwink in Shelton, Nebraska. Together, they made their home in Kearney, raised their family, and built a life filled with family, friends, projects, cars, and plenty of stories along the way. Denny was a longtime employee of Northwestern Energy, but he was never one to sit still. A certified welder and natural builder, he made clothing racks for The Buckle for many years and eventually created two businesses of his own, H & H Rentals and Haller’s Rod Shop. Whether he was restoring a house or bringing an antique car back to life, Denny enjoyed working with his hands and seeing what something could become with a little time, patience, and ingenuity. Cars were one of Denny’s great passions. In 1987, he founded Kearney Cruise Night, helping create a tradition that brought together two things he loved: great cars and great people. Over the years, he participated in countless parades and car shows and was active in the Central Nebraska Auto Club, Ft. Kearney Auto Club, Mid Fives Auto Club, and the National Hot Rod Association. He especially enjoyed the club’s 500-mile tours across Nebraska, where there was always another road to travel, another car to admire, and undoubtedly someone new for Denny to strike up a conversation with. His interests didn’t stop with cars. Denny enjoyed singing, watching westerns, collecting coins and guns, and tackling whatever project caught his attention. More than anything, though, he loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was happiest when he had people around him, a story to tell, something to work on, or all three at once. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Rita Haller of Kearney; his children, Annette (Mark) Marvin, Nicole (Tim) Becker, Michelle (Brad) Eubanks, and Dustin (Brittany) Haller; his grandchildren, Lindsey (Luke) Chamberlain, Lauren Becker, Tyler Eubanks, and Natalie Eubanks; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Viola Haller; his brothers, Odell (Betty) Haller, Bob Haller, and Don (Carolyn) Haller; and his sister, Mary Swearingen. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney. A rosary will follow the visitation at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Inurnment will take place at Omaha National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, with military honors provided by the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Dennis C. Haller

January 6, 1947 - August 9, 2026