B. Wade VanDiest of Taylor passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Kearney, Nebraska at the age of 89.

Wade was born January 12, 1936, on the ranch near Almeria, Nebraska to William "Bill" and Dororthy (Yocum) VanDiest. He was raised on the family ranch west of Taylor in Loup County and graduated from Taylor High School.

On April 28, 1956, Wade was united in marriage to Ada B. Stone at Taylor, Nebraska. The couple was blessed with four children, Craig, DeAnn, Marie and Kelly.

In 1962, Wade moved to Dunning where he helped his brother Norval with his gas station and returned to the ranch the following year. Wade spent most of his working years ranching and farming until he sold the registered Herefords and purchased yearling until 1978. Following that he helped Howard Strong construct houses; and drove a maintainer and school bus for many years.

In 2008, Wade and Ada moved from the ranch into Taylor. Wade spent countless hours volunteering his time to help others and took pride in watering the trees and plants in Taylor and around the park.

Wade competed in horseshoes, was the pitcher in a fast-pitch softball league and belonged to a bowling league. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards and crocheted many afghans, scarves, hats and mats for the homeless. Wade's favorite pastimes were playing with his grandkids and great grandkids, visiting and playing pranks on others.

Wade was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church and the Lions Club.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 69 years, Ada; a son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Doreene VanDiest of Taylor; three daughters and sons-in-law, DeAnn and Mike Winter of Hiawatha, Kansas, Marie and Allen Liibbe of Kearney and Kelly and Rob Dockweiler of Taylor; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Norval VanDiest; and sister and brother-in-law, Alvera and Jim Wiley.

Mr. VanDiest's wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Calamus Trinity Methodist Church in Burwell, Nebraska. Pastor Dennis Davenport will officiate. Inurnment will be held at Madison Square Cemetery, Loup County, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to the Family's Choice to be determined later.

The VanDiest family will greet friends on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Taylor Community Center.