Layne Allen Schelbitzki passed away on May 25th, 2024 at the age of 74. He was born on February 9th, 1950 in Geneva, NE to Lloyd Schelbitzki and Ione (Vitense) Schelbitzki of rural Ohiowa, NE. He was baptized and confirmed at the Ohiowa Methodist Church. He grew up on a farm outside of Ohiowa. He attended Harmony Country School and then Bruning High School where he graduated in 1968. He then attended Southeast Community College in Milford where he earned an Associate’s Degree in mechanics. Layne worked for Pribyl Motors after graduation and purchased Western Motors in 1978, which he has operated for 46 years. He was also a rural postal carrier for 18 years in Western and Wilber and mowed the Western Cemetery for 30 years. He married Victoria Behrens on August 27, 1971 in Marysville, KS. They had 4 children: Todd, Stacy, Dusty, and Ryan.

Not only has he always worked in Western, he has also worn many hats in the community. Layne served on the Village Board, the Western Methodist Church Board, and the Western Community Club. He was on the Western Rescue for 35 years and was still serving on the Western Fire Department, which was more than 45 years. Layne enjoyed hunting and fishing, swap meets, having family cookouts, celebrating family birthdays, working on cars, cracking good jokes, and pretty much doing any kind of outside work—mowing, gardening, and taking care of his animals. Many say he was the best mechanic around and could fix anything! It has been said he could put his hand on the dash of a running car and diagnose the problem! He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Layne was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd, his brother, Jay, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nelson and Doris Behrens, and 2 brothers-in-laws. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife of 53 years, Vicki, his son, Todd (Danielle) of Western, his daughter, Stacy (Craig) of Daykin, and his sons, Dusty (Angie) of Hallam, and Ryan (Shelby) of Lincoln, mother, Ione Schelbitzki, three sisters, JeNeane, Audene and Penni and also his seven grandchildren Blayne, Lani, Alli, Easton, Emery, Remi, and Ruby.

A Celebration of Life and Open House will be Monday, June 3rd from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Western Fire Hall.  Casual dress requested. Cards may be sent to P.O. Box 302, Western, NE 68464. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com.  Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln.