Irvin Anthony

Irvin A. Anthony, 98, of Gering, Nebraska, passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Irvin's wishes, no memorial service will be held.

Irvin was born on February 16, 1928, in Wayne, Nebraska, to Albert Reed and Helena (Godischke) Reed. During his early childhood, his mother moved with him to Chadron, Nebraska, where she later married George Anthony of Wayside. Irvin spent his formative years on a farm near Wayside. Throughout his life, he shared stories with his family about his remarkable marksmanship with a BB gun, rifle, and responsibilities caring for the farm animals.

On January 1, 1949, Irvin married Dona D. Hunt in Oelrichs, South Dakota. Together they began their life in Chadron, Nebraska, where they welcomed four children: Esther, Diana, Eldon, and Ivan. In 1965, the family relocated to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and made the Platte Valley their home. Over the years, their family continued to grow, blessing them with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and, in recent years, great-great-grandchildren.

Irvin spent his career as a cross-country truck driver, initially working for Beem Trucking & then Johnston Fuel Liners, eventually purchasing his own rig and retiring after logging millions of miles across the nation's highways. He loved seeing the country, meeting new people, and never knew a stranger. In his later trucking years, Dona joined him on the road, and the couple traveled as a driving team for five years, creating many cherished memories together.

Known for his quick wit and easy smile, Irvin loved making people laugh. He was an avid water skier, who did slalom, ski jumps, kites, tricks, shows and was still skiing at 86. It was one of his favorite activities to share with his family and he found joy in boating, fishing and camping. Irvin always appreciated a good card game, of which Pinochle was one of his favorites.

Following the loss of his beloved wife, Dona, in 2007, Irvin began attending local dances, where he met Cathy Teppert. The two quickly formed a special bond, and Cathy became a devoted companion for the remainder of Irvin's life. Together they traveled to visit family and friends, embarked on many adventures, enjoyed time at Prairie Winds, and looked forward to weekly card games with visitors.

Irvin is survived by his companion, Cathy Teppert; daughter, Esther Benson (Jack Hollingsworth) of Scottsbluff; son, Ivan (Meg) Anthony of Elizabeth, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Kathy Anthony of Gering; grandchildren, Shane (Cathy) Reynolds, Mary (David) Klemp, Jac (Sammie) Reynolds, Tim (Tammie) Anthony, Paul Anthony, Philip Anthony, Davin (Rebekah) Anthony, and Keeli (Jake) Keeler; great-grandchildren, Cortney, Logan, Austin, James, Lincoln, Dylan, Devin, Jocilyn, Addison, Gina, Elijah, Danielle, Ellinore, and Evelyn; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Joe (Joyce) Reed. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dona Anthony; daughter, Diana Yarnall; son, Eldon "Bubba"; Anthony; son-in-laws, Larry Yarnall and Jerry Benson; daughter-in-law, Pamela Anthony; and great-grandson, John Anthony. Irvin will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, humor, strong will, and the countless friendships he made throughout his long and well-lived life.

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Homes and Cremations in Oshkosh and Chappell are serving the Anthony family.

Family and friends can leave condolences at www.bondegardfunerals.com.