Wilbur L. Newland 80, of Grand Island, formerly of Ravenna passed away on September 1, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society from a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Wilbur was born June 29, 1943 to Henry and Isabel ( Mann) Newland in Valentine. He attended Pleasant Valley School in Sparks and graduated from Springview High School in 1961.
Wilbur joined the Navy on September 7, 1961 and was honorably discharged September 3, 1965. He was an E-3 Grade Senior in Basic Medicine and First Aid Hospitalman (HN) and a Navy Corpsman for the Marines.
After the military, Wilbur moved to Cairo and worked at various jobs. Wilbur then moved to Ravenna where he and his brother Glen opened Newland Electric in Ravenna in 1969 and they ran the business together until his health declined.
Wilbur joined the Ravenna Fire Department in March of 1971 and retired May 2004. He was one of the first EMTs for the department. He was fire chief from 1974-1983. He was also involved with the Ravenna Ball Association, Annevar and flag ceremony for the cemetery.
Wilbur loved Husker football and collected Husker signed footballs and other Husker memorabilia. He was a very kindhearted man with a great smile who was always willing to lend a helping hand, and he never met a stranger.
He moved to Seneca Sunrise Assisted Living and then later to Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna until it closed, then moved to Good Samaritan Society in Grand Island until his passing.
Wilbur is survived by his sister Letha Bartlett of Alda, and his brother Glen Newland of Ravenna. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great and greatgreat nieces and nephews, and too many other family and friends to list.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and sisterin- law, Henry and Francis Newland; a sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Dick Osburn; a sister and brother-in-law, Inez and Leo Richardson; a brother-in-law, Gene Bartlett; and a sister-in-law, Marla Newland; two nieces, Jeanie McIntosh, Nancy Hardenburger; and a nephew, Chad Osburn.
