May 28, 2020

Wanetta (Keenan) Halbert (1938-2020

Posted May 28, 2020 4:26 PM

Wanetta Halbert, 82, of Kearney passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at her home in Kearney.  

Wanetta Keenan was born January 8, 1938 in Alliance, Nebraska to Theodore and Fern (Sherfey) Keenan.  She attended Minden Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1955.  Wanetta was united in marriage to Brian Halbert on March 10, 1957 at the United Methodist Church in Minden.  In 1976, they bought Bico’s Cafe, which they owned and operated for 25 years, retiring in 2001.  They couple later moved to Lake McConaughy at Lemoyne.

She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, reading and traveling.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Robbin Halbert-Martin; granddaughter, Kylie Epp of Kearney; grandson, Shane Martin all of Kearney; great grandchildren, Marley, Mila and Maxwell Epp, Dean Martin all of Kearney, and Addelyn and Ava Hooks of Wynona, MN; sister, Barbara Harms of Kearney; brother Bob (Chris) Keenan of Renton, WA; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

Wanetta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Brian Halbert; son, Patrick Halbert; and her brother, Tom Keenan. 

The family encourages messages of condolence to be made through the funeral home website at www.osrfh.com or send cards/memorials to the family in care of O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home, 4115 Ave N, Kearney, NE 68847.   


Private family graveside services will be held Friday, May 29, 2020 at Kearney Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney.