Joseph William Harte was born July 10, 1945, in Holt County to Leo and Vera Harte. He attended Inman Public School through his junior year and then transferred to O’Neill St. Mary’s for his senior year, graduating in 1963. After high school, Joe went straight to work on the family farm and ranch.
Joe married Marie Boyle on September 4, 1965. Together, they were blessed with four children: Kim, Kurt, Kay, and Kent.
Joe and Marie spent their entire married life on the ranch northeast of Inman, where they raised their family and built a life together. Joe was a hardworking man who took great pride in caring for his cattle, putting up hay, and tending to the ranch. Work was never simply something Joe had to do—it was part of who he was.
Even as his health declined, his desire to keep working never left him; 2026 marked the first year he missed the hayfield in 74 years. He was strong, selfless, always lending a hand whenever needed. He was deeply devoted to his family and especially treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Although Joe wasn’t much of a traveler, one of his fondest memories was a trip to Ireland with his entire family in 2005.
He is survived by his four children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family: Kim Harte-Overholser and son Cody Overholser of Palmer Lake, CO, Kurt Harte and wife Kristi and their children, Charlie Harte and wife Kate, and Kenzie Harte all from Omaha, NE, Kay Harte of Valentine, NE and Bryan Rodocker of Halsey, NE; and Kent Harte and wife Lisa of O’Neill, NE and their children, Matthew, Joseph, and Alex and wife Lydia, and their children, Octavia and Ophelia. Joe is also survived by his brother, Tom Harte and son Bobby and wife Tasha Harte and family; his sister, Donna, and husband Jack McGinn their children; Mike McGinn and family, Danny McGinn, and Traci McGinn; two sisters-in-law, Betty Boyle of O’Neill and Charlene Boyle of Lincoln; along with several other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie Harte, and his parents, Leo and Vera Harte.
A Funeral Mass for Joe Harte, age 81 of Rural Inman, NE was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in O’Neill, NE. Burial followed in the O’Neill Cemetery. Rev. Bernard Starman was the officiate. Visitation was on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill with a Wake Service at 7:00 p.m.
Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Joe passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital in O’Neill with his family by his side.
Arrangements are under the direction of Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill.
