Marvel J. Heuke

Marvel J. Heuke, 102, of Kearney entered eternity on March 2, 2026 at the St. John’s Good Samaritan Society in Kearney. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Kearney with Rev. Dr. Michelle Holley Carlson and Rev. Dr. Rick Carlson Officiating. Inurnment will follow at the First Lutheran Church Columbarium. Marvel Jane Phillips was born on April 8, 1923, to Dwight and Inez (DeHaven) Phillips in Hay Springs, Nebraska. She participated in many school activities at Hay Springs High. Marvel then attended Barnes Business College in Rapid City, South Dakota before working for the Rural Electric Association in Rushville, Nebraska for several years. She left that job to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she graduated with a degree in Education. While in Lincoln she met Raymond Heuke, who was studying at the dental school. After graduation, Marvel taught in Lyons, Nebraska before marrying Ray on July 22, 1951. Together they operated a successful dental practice in Kearney, Nebraska for more than 50 years. Avid UNL supporters, they were long-time football season ticket holders. Marvel and Ray traveled to many places in the United States and internationally. They especially enjoyed returning to Germany to the area where Ray’s family originated. Marvel loved to entertain and was known for her enthusiastic hospitality. For more than 40 years they wintered in Green Valley, Arizona where they continued to entertain both new and old friends. They also enjoyed spending weekends at their Johnson Lake cabin in Lexington, Nebraska. They were active members of First Lutheran Church in Kearney. Marvel is survived by six nieces, several cousins, and countless great friends. Marvel’s family are very grateful for the loving care she has been provided at St. John’s for the past five years. She was fortunate to share that experience with her best friend of more than 70 years, Betty Henning. A celebration of Marvel’s life will be held on April 8, 2026 (her 103rd birthday) at the First Lutheran Church in Kearney, Nebraska. Services will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no visitation. To honor Marvel’s life, please make a donation to a charity that is meaningful to you. Condolences are may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Marvel J. Heuke

April 8, 1923 - March 2, 2026