Seward Man Crafts Thousands of Nail Crosses for Community

Roger Potratz has made over 3,000 handmade nail crosses to distribute across the local area.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Roger Potratz, a resident of Seward, Nebraska, has spent countless hours crafting over 3,000 handmade nail crosses that he distributes throughout the local community. The small, portable crosses have become a symbol of faith and comfort for many in the area.

Why it matters

Potratz's volunteer work to create and share these unique nail crosses reflects a grassroots effort to spread a message of spirituality and community connection in Seward. The crosses have resonated with locals as a tangible way to carry their faith with them.

The details

Each nail cross is handmade by Potratz using simple materials - just a nail and a small piece of wood. Despite the simplicity, the crosses hold deep meaning for those who receive them. Potratz has distributed the crosses to churches, nursing homes, schools, and other community organizations across Seward.

  • Potratz began making the nail crosses several years ago.
  • He has now created over 3,000 crosses to share with the Seward community.

The players

Roger Potratz

A resident of Seward, Nebraska who has spent countless hours crafting over 3,000 handmade nail crosses to distribute throughout the local community.

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The takeaway

Potratz's selfless act of creating and sharing these meaningful nail crosses demonstrates the power of grassroots community efforts to spread messages of faith and connection. The crosses have become a cherished symbol for many in Seward, reminding them to carry their beliefs with them.