Josh Dean Hoover

Joshua Dean Hoover, 43, of Brule, Nebraska, passed away on July 28, 2026. Josh was born March 5, 1983, in Ogallala, NE, to Steve and Patty (Phelan) Hoover. Josh was baptized and confirmed at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Julesburg, CO. He later joined St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ogallala.

Josh went to school at Big Springs, graduated with the South Platte class of 2001, and then attended Mid-Plains Community College. After college, he joined Hoover Farms, where he took great pride in continuing the family's farming legacy as a fifth-generation farmer. He spent his life rooted in the rich farmland of the Brule area, carrying on a tradition of hard work, dedication, and love for the land that defined his character from his earliest years.

When not farming, he enjoyed drag racing, restoring his Model TT truck, and watching his favorite sports teams. He was a lifelong Huskers fan. He also spent many years disappointed in the Dallas Cowboys before becoming a Pittsburgh Steelers and Boston Bruins fan.

On July 10, 2016, Josh married Amanda “Mandy” Adams Fanning in Julesburg, CO. This new chapter saw Josh moving to “town” in Brule, traveling to far-off destinations, and learning to embrace the laughter and chaos of a young family.

Living in town also allowed Josh to realize a life-long dream of being a firefighter. He made many meaningful friendships with his fellow firefighters in Brule and surrounding communities. He became an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and was honored to serve as the Brule Volunteer Fire Department Secretary/Treasurer for many years. Josh felt passionate about having the right tools for the job at hand and made it a personal mission to jump start fundraising for the Department. He wrote grants, started a golf tournament, and encouraged active participation in the Keith County Big Give.

Josh served with the same quiet strength, humor, and sense of purpose that marked every facet of his life. He found fulfillment in farming, firefighting, and the pursuits he loved. However, Josh's greatest pride was his family. He will be remembered for the unwavering love, loyalty, and support he gave to those closest to him.

Josh was preceded in death by his grandfather’s Duane Hoover and Donald Phelan and father-in-law Todd Adams.

Survivors include his wife, Mandy; daughters Saffron and Heather, of Brule; parents Steve and Patty Hoover, of Brule; mother-in-law Kandy Adams, of Ogallala; brother Ryan Hoover, of Big Springs; sisters-in-law Jennifer (Ben) Wheeler-Harsh, of Lansing, MI, Melynda (William) Boyce, of Arlington, VA, and Sarah (Michael) Vargas, of Columbus, OH; six nephews and three nieces; grandparents Mary Phelan, of Big Springs, and Roger and Shirley Rankin, and Huberta Adams, of Ogallala; uncles Kenton Hoover, of Brule and Perry (Donna) Phelan, of Big Springs, Chad ( Barbara) Adams of Ogallala; aunts Penny (Jim) Haugh, of Grand Island, Peggy Dehning, of Big Springs, Paula “Jodi” (Tim) Alexander, of Cheyenne, WY, Melanie (Dave) Washa of Ogallala, Laurie (Kirk) Hovendick of Lincoln, and Margaret (Jim) Hesse, of Haymarket, VA; and many cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, August 10, 2026, with rosary at 9:00 A.M. and mass at 10:00 A.M. at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Father Suresh Bandha and Father Michael O'Brien of St. Anthony of Padua from Julesburg, CO, officiating.

Internment will be at the Brule Cemetery following mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Brule Volunteer Fire Department or the South Platte Schools Industrial Arts Department.

Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.

Services will be live streamed by going to www.drauckerfh.com and clicking the watch live button.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.