Joseph Patrick Kouma

On Friday, May 31, 2024, Joseph Patrick Kouma, loving husband and father, entered eternal rest at age 61.

Joe was born on February 12,1963 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Arnold and Margaret Kouma (Benes). Joe grew up on a farm west of Lincoln with his siblings. He attended school in Emerald, Nebraska and graduated from Pius in 1981. On October 26, 2002 he married the love of his life, Tammy Johns. Together they spent time farming their homestead and raised two sons, Alex and Jacyn, and two daughters, Megan and Jesseca. By the side of his lifelong friend, Dan Nelson, he created Old Mil Custom Woodworking in 1988, where he pursued his passion creating timeless pieces for all who walked through the doors to cherish.

When asked about Joe people often respond with words like humble, forgiving, strong and kind. He lived out his days doing what he loved most, caring for the animals on his farm and working in his woodshop. He enjoyed the outdoors and some of his fondest memories were made fishing and hunting. He always loved a good meal and good company. He was blessed with a steady hand and heart of gold that was always willing to help. Joe’s love and devotion for his family and his faith in God shined through every decision and step he made on his journey through life. Joe found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren and was always their biggest cheerleader. He never turned down an opportunity to teach them something new and watch them succeed. Every adventure with Joe was fun and unforgettable. He carried with him an understanding spirit and an unmatched sense of humor.

Joe’s loving spirit is carried on by his father, Arnold and stepmother Geri, his wife Tammy; their 4 children, Alex (Karla) Kouma, Megan (Earl) Johnson, Jesseca (Matthew) Charron and Jacyn (Anna) Smith; his brother Greg (Janet) Kouma and sisters Nancy (Mitch) Cubrich and Sue (John) Johnson; step-siblings Gaylen Rejda, Shelly (Jeff) Murray, Terry (Christen) Rejda; along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. His legacy will be continued through all nine of his beloved grandchildren: Alexis, Riley, Kaydence, Nora, Charley, Kasey, Francis, Madelynn and Alaina. Preceding him in peace were his mother Margaret and little brother Johnny.

A visitation rosary will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at St. Vitus Catholic Church in Touhy, NE from 5-7 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at St. Vitus Catholic Church at 12 o’clock in the afternoon; friends and family are invited to a remembrance gathering at Tuffy’s Bar in Touhy to follow. Flowers or donations may be sent to Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home at 911 N. Linden Street Wahoo, Nebraska.