Phillip "Lee" Weatherwax

Phillip Lee Weatherwax passed away on April 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after complications with his disease, Inclusion Body Myositis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with Father Scott Harter officiating. Interment will follow at Kearney Cemetery. A rosary will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. He was born on April 12, 1945, in Holdrege, Nebraska, to Leora and Irvin Weatherwax. As a young boy, Lee attended a country school for kindergarten and first grade, requiring him to walk through a pasture to get there, an early reflection of the toughness and determination that would define his life. His family later moved, and he continued his education in Edison and then graduated from Edison High School in 1963. Lee went on to attend McCook Community College, where he played basketball, before transferring to Kearney State College. There, he earned a degree in History and Physical Education with the goal of becoming a teacher. On February 6, 1971, he married the love of his life, Monica Lynn Struve. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. Lee was a member of Prince of Peace Church and a 3rd Degree Knight, reflecting his strong commitment to his faith and community. Lee found great joy in the outdoors. He especially enjoyed fishing and hunting deer, geese, and pheasants, often spending those treasured moments with his son Brian and his nephews. He was known as a hardworking provider who always put his family first. Those who knew Lee will remember his sense of humor and his love of a good joke. One memorable moment came when Monica and Clairinda returned home from a trip to Scottsbluff to find a “For Sale” sign in their yard, complete with flyers for anyone interested in buying the house. Monica’s immediate response was, “He can’t sell my house unless he has my signature.” After reading the flyer, she realized Lee was just having a little fun, a moment that perfectly captured the laughter and lighthearted spirit he brought into their lives. Lee worked as a counselor at the Boys Training School for five years before continuing his career at Nickel’s Feedlot, where he remained a dedicated and dependable employee. He is survived by his wife, Monica; his children, Dawn of Cincinnati, Ohio, Clairinda of Prescott Valley, Arizona, and Brian of Kearney, Nebraska; and his cherished grandchildren, Maeleigh (Clairinda’s) and Abraham (Dawn’s). He was preceded in death by his parents, Leora and Irvin Weatherwax.

Phillip "Lee" Weatherwax

April 12, 1945 - April 19, 2026