Eric VanOverbeke

Eric Paul VanOverbeke died on September 28, 2023, at the age of 50. He was born and raised in Gothenburg, Nebraska. He graduated from Gothenburg High School and attended Central Community College.

Eric trained as a landscaper and gardener, and was happy when working outside, building landscapes and berms for family and others, and planting trees and shrubs. As a kid, he started collecting Coca-Cola products, and over the past decades amassed a sizable collection that included toy cars, plates and bottles, puzzles, and games. Eric loved playing card games and could be quite competitive, even sometimes creating new rules to win (at least that’s what his brothers thought). Even through multiple illnesses and challenges, he tried to retain a sense of humor (better than most of us ever could). His pride and joy was his daughter, Abby, who brought him great happiness and joy.

Eric is survived by his daughter, Abbygail Elizabeth; his mother, Carol; his brothers, Jon (Jill) and Marc (John Smagner); and a nephew, Thomas Alexander.  He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis, and his grandparents.

Register Book Signing will be Thursday, October 5, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th St, Gothenburg, NE 69138 with the family. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be given to the Make-A-Wish or the Gothenburg Meals on Wheels.