Robert "Bob" Emory Chace

Robert "Bob" Emory Chace, 71 years of age, passed away on July 17, 2025, at his home by Liberty, NE. He was born on Sept 22, 1953 to Charles & Mary Lo (Hammond) Chace in Atkinson, NE.

Bob grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Pius X High School in '72. He was a unique soul with a subtle dry wit that often either got him in trouble or got folks laughing hysterically. He was a master of pranks. Bob always marched to a different drum staying true to himself. He often felt he was born a century too late....as his good friend Terry said, "Let’s hope for Bob's sake there's no technology in heaven." If so, he'd never remember the password to get in.

Bob was the Henry David Thoreau of the family, always one with nature and looking for his own Walden Pond. He was a wanderer until he met his soulmate Kathy Hansen and they married in the fall of '76. They settled in SE Nebraska living in several homesteads (many with mile long mud drives often requiring foot traffic only), some without running water, others with two "holers" but there was always electricity for his turntable to play albums. They finally settled on their forever acreage where they revived an abandoned house into a home.  This is where many memories were made while raising their three children. This home has become a gathering place for their ever-growing family.

In his spare time Bob enjoyed watching baseball, playing golf, maintaining the woods on his acreage and watching their children & grandchildren grow. When it was time to relax, there was nothing better than listening to good live music with a cold beer.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; children: Chris (Rozzy) Chace of Beatrice, NE; Mary (Ryan) Hammond of Indianola, NE; Sarah (Cody) Pfeiffer of Adams, NE; grandchildren: Skyler Black, Edynne and Mason Chace, Gavin, Braxten, Gage, Brody, Rilynn, Ryker, Ainsley, and Emory Hammond, Reagan and Brinley Pfeiffer, sisters: Rosemary (Quentin) Bliss of Omaha, Charlotte Chace and wife Linda of Lincoln, Fran (Tim) O’Leary of Lincoln, sister-in-law Betty Roberts and John and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim, Gene, and David, father-in-law, Harold, brother-in-law, Lee.

Cremation has been chosen, and a celebration of Bob’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 3rd from 2:00-5:00 at their home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Barneston Fire Department. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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