Dean Figard

Dean Jay Figard age 77, lost his battle with Cancer on October 4, 2026, in Kearney, NE. He was born on September 28, 1949, to Erle “Gob” and Phyllis (Nutter) Figard in Broken Bow, NE.

Dean went to country school through fifth grade then Thedford grade and high school. He graduated in 1967 and enlisted in the Navy. Dean was planning on making that his career, but that didn’t happen. After 10 years he went into civilian life for a bit then joined the Air Force- Angus in 1983 - 1994.

Dean was proud of his service and shooting awards. In 1979, he married Jeannie “Annette” Nolan. Douglas Joe “DJ” was born to the union in 1980. He was later called Doug. Dean moved his family back to Thedford in 1994. Dean and Annette parted ways in 1997. Dean tried marriage once more and that didn’t work out either, so he decided to stay single.

Dean worked for the railroad in North Platte till he retired in 2014. He loved traveling, passporting, fast cars, attending Nutter family reunions, and pranking. Dean had his heart set on getting a Hell Cat, but he never got that accomplished. He became famous for his baking & ice cream making. Dean never could leave a recipe the way it was, he always had to tweak it a little. If he knew your favorite dessert he usually tried to get it to you on your birthday. He will be greatly missed.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, DJ’s mother, nephew Bernie Andersen, brother-in-law Gar Holbrook, and step-nephew John Holbrook.

Dean is survived by his son and daughter-in-law DJ and Tonya, their children Taynen, Tiernan, and Trent, aunt & uncle Joyce (Nutter) and Duane Molley, sisters and brothers-in-law Diane (Allen) Andersen, Deb Figard and Denise (Joe) Hoesing, nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Thedford, NE. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Thedford American Legion. Govier Brothers Mortuary is helping the family with arrangements. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com