Reid Stewart Velte

Reid Stewart Velte, 81, passed away on June 24, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Reid was born on April 1,1944, in Lexington, Nebraska.

Reid left high school early to enlist in the United States Navy in 1962 and served for 3 years and also received his GED. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued further education at Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, where he earned a certificate as an auto body technician. This training laid the foundation for a lifelong career centered around his passion for automobiles and machinery.

He began his professional journey by opening his own auto body shop in Eagle, Nebraska. There he found joy in rebuilding and repainting vintage cars- a craft that combined both skill and artistry. Reid also had a towing company and earned the name “Fender Bender.” Later relocating to Geneva, Nebraska, Reid worked for various companies before settling into a long-term role at LJ Webb Construction, where he continued to apply his mechanical talents and build lasting relationships. He retired in the fall of 2008.

Reid was known for his independent spirit and could often be found at his shop fixing his lawn tractors or snowblowers or cruising the streets of Geneva. Reid could often be found spending time at the local VFW playing cards and catching up with friends. He had a knack for staying ahead of local gossip and enjoyed starting his mornings with coffee and breakfast at Mom’s Hilltop Cafe.

His hobbies reflected a love for the outdoors and hands-on work. Reid also spent many hours at the tractor pulls during the Nebraska State Fair, hunting pheasant and coyotes, fishing at the sandpits, visiting casinos and horse tracks, and tinkering with things around the shop. One of his favorite pastimes was helping neighbors with snow removal during the long winter months- so much so that he proudly wore a button on his hat that read, “Think Snow.”

Reid is survived by daughters Jacinda April Duffy of Dallas, TX; Larissa Kay Sande (Aaron) of Seattle, WA; Lindy Renfroe (div.) of Eaton, CO; and grandson Deegan Duffy of Great Falls, MT.

He was preceded in death by his sister Sandra Jean (d. February 10, 1970), Mother Elva Milda Velte (d. January 12, 1994) and Father Wesley Henry Velte (d. July 30, 1999).

A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Westview Cemetery in Eustis, Nebraska, on July 11, 2025, at 11:00 am.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com