Jeffrey "Jeff" Morthole

Jeffrey “Jeff” Wade Morthole passed away in his home, beside his loving wife, in Hayes Center, NE on January 18, 2025, at the age of 71.

Jeff was born to parents Lyle H. and Barbara Jean (Rhoades) Morthole in McCook, NE on November 7, 1953. He grew up in McCook, NE until moving to Colorado. He graduated high school while he was in the military. 

Jeff served in the army during the Vietnam era from August 27, 1974, to August 18, 1977. While serving, he was awarded Sharpshooter M16 and Driver Badge. He was very proud of his service in protecting our country’s freedoms. After his time in the army, Jeff was a truck driver for 51 years. 

Jeff married the love of his life Phyllis V. Willoughby on September 27, 1977, in Denver, CO. They were 10 months shy of their 50th anniversary. Together they raised four kids: Jeffrey, Cassey, Tasha, and Constance. 

Jeff was an avid hunter, especially big game, and enjoyed fishing. He was a connoisseur of German beer. He supported our 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms by collecting guns. Jeff was in MAGA crew and supported Donald Trump. He was a part of the Hayes Center American Legion Post #287. 

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Steve Morthole; and a cherished puppy, Jager.

Those who will miss Jeff dearly are his wife, Phyllis Morthole of Hayes Center, NE; son, Jeffrey (Simone) Morthole Jr. of Thorton, CO; daughters, Cassey (Scott) Willoughby of Arvada, CO, Tasha Hill of Aurora, CO, and Constance Willoughby of Arvada, CO; sisters, Shauna Morthole of Denver, CO, and Michelle (Garrett) Dunn of Denver, CO; 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Jeff’s name to Mrs. Morthole, PO Box 44, Hayes Center, NE 69032.

A public visitation will be on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 pm at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook, NE.

A funeral service and burial will be held at Fort. McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 1:00 pm, with Chaplin Ned Cooper, officiating.