Gloria Kautz

CULBERTSON, Nebr. — Gloria May (Hardwick) Kautz passed away at her home in Culbertson, Nebraska, on March 15, 2026.

She was born May 27, 1938, to Harvey and Myrtle (Worley) Hardwick in Fort Morgan, Colorado. Soon after the family would move to nearby Weldona and then back to Culbertson, Nebraska, where she grew up alongside her sister, Leora Eugenia (Lindell) of Grand Island, Nebraska, and brother Arvine Mervin Hardwick. Gloria graduated from Culbertson High School in 1956.

DeWayne hitch-hiked from Camp Pendelton to marry Gloria on March 31, 1957. They resided for a time in Riverside, California while DeWayne was stationed at Marine Corp Base Camp Pendelton. Together they had three children: Jerrell (Jerry) E. of Houston, Texas, Darrell W. of Kansas City, Missouri, and Cheryl K. of Culbertson, Nebraska. In 1969, they took on foster daughters, Annie (Bud Kehler) and Bobbie (Rick Gohl) Steele, who became life-long daughters.

Returning from California, Gloria first attended McCook Community College and received a certificate to teach at the rural one-bedroom Dyke Schol near Cornell, in southern Hitchcock County. Gloria furthered her academic studies in Home Economics and English at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley during summer sessions, while teaching at the Republican Valley High School, east of McCook, in the late 1960’s. Gloria also enjoyed a brief interlude as a dental assistant. Most of her teaching career was spent at the Hayes Center Public School system, from which she retired, ending a 36-year career in education.

DeWayne and Gloria have resided in the same Culbertson residence since returning from California.

Gloria was more recently heard giving useful Glosie’s Kitchen Tips on KEZL FM 89.7. She had been active in children’s programs at the Bethyl Missionary Church in Culbertson. She enjoyed doing crafts after retirement, especially making cards for birthdays and special occasions.

Grandchildren include Joshua (Gloria) and Billie Joe Kautz of McCook, Rachel A. and Michael V. of Kansas City, MO, Jason Gohl (Laura) and Skip Gohl, JoLyn Hare (Tim) and Jarrod Koebel (Lena) and Kyra Henderson (Clay); great grandchildren: Henry (Hank), Violet and Jack Kautz of McCook, Wyatt, Oakley and Jessie Gohl and Athena and Avereh Gohl of Culbertson, NE, Syrus, Seth, Samuel and Solomon Hare and Vivie, Celia and Kenlyn Koebel of Culbertson, Ezekiel, Blythe, Zephaniah, Jetti and Poppy Henderson of Fort Worth, TX.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM on Thursday, morning, March 19, 2026 at the New Life Fellowship in Culbertson with Pastor Rick Bradley officiating. Burial in the Culbertson Cemetery will follow services.

Donations in Gloria’s name may be made to KEZL FM Radio (KEZL-FM, PO Box 35, Culbertson, Nebraska 69024) or by visiting KEZLFM.com. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.