Billy Bruce Kehlbeck , 85, of Syracuse died April 25, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society – Syracuse. Billy was born on Dec. 18, 1926, in Bird City, Kansas to parents, Herman and Chloe (Sawyer) Kehlbeck. He moved with his parents to Syracuse in 1929 from Leota, Kansas, and remained a resident of Syracuse until his death. He graduated from Syracuse High School in 1945. He married Donna Jean Janssen of Syracuse on Oct. 11, 1946. Billy was a Sinclair petroleum jobber and owner of Kehlbeck Oil Co. with his father. He sold the business in 1982 to Farmer's Union Co-op, but continued driving the tank wagon and delivering fuel to customers until 1989. He then became a full-time bus driver for S.D.A. Schools for 13 years. He continued as a substitute bus driver and doing other various part-time jobs in his semi-retirement. Billy was a faithful member of Luther Memorial Church, serving on the Church Council, teaching Sunday School, and singing in the choir and men's chorus. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Nebr. Petroleum Marketers, and a Boy Scout leader. Billy loved his family, his church, and his community. His hobbies included gardening, traveling, fishing, watching Syracuse athletic events and Husker volleyball, and playing cards and games.

Survivors include son Dalton and wife Jan of Lenexa, Kansas; daughter Kathie and husband Wayne Pape of Lincoln; daughter Janet and husband Tom Chaussee of Omaha.
Grandchildren include Kelly Kehlbeck Cox, Teresa Kehlbeck Dahlke, Brian and Darin Pape, Monica Chaussee Schroeder, and Marc Chaussee; six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, and his parents.

Funeral services will be Monday, April 30, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Luther Memorial Church 1162 Mohawk, Syracuse, NE. Cremation – no visitation. The family will greet relatives and friends one hour before the service, at the Church. Private family inurnment. Memorials in lieu of flowers to Luther Memorial Church, Good Samaritan Society – Syracuse, or the Syracuse Foundation.
Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home (402)269-2441