Longtime Verdel resident Jerry Motacek dies at 71

Funeral services scheduled for next Saturday at Ponca Pow Wow grounds

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:17pm

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A serene, out-of-focus rural landscape in muted tones of gold, green, and blue, conveying a sense of timelessness and the enduring spirit of a small town community.The rural Nebraska landscape where Jerry Motacek lived for decades reflects the quiet dignity and enduring spirit of the local community.Verdel Today

Jerry Motacek, a 71-year-old resident of Verdel, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, April 4, at his home. Funeral services for Motacek will be held on Saturday, April 11, at the Ponca Pow Wow grounds in Niobrara at 1:00 pm.

Why it matters

Motacek was a longtime member of the Verdel community, and his passing is likely to be felt by many in the small Nebraska town. The Ponca Pow Wow grounds hold cultural significance for the local Native American community, making the choice of venue for the funeral services meaningful.

The details

No additional details about the circumstances of Motacek's passing or his life in Verdel were provided in the original report.

  • Jerry Motacek passed away on Saturday, April 4.
  • Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 1:00 pm.

The players

Jerry Motacek

A 71-year-old resident of Verdel, Nebraska who recently passed away.

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The takeaway

The loss of a longtime community member like Jerry Motacek is sure to be felt deeply in the small town of Verdel, Nebraska. The choice to hold his funeral services at the culturally significant Ponca Pow Wow grounds speaks to the importance of honoring local traditions and connections when grieving the passing of a respected elder.