John Robert Boughtin passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. He was born on September 14, 1945, in Beatrice to John Robert and Lola (Pethoud) Boughtin. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crete, NE. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

John grew up in Beatrice, NE, along with his two sisters, Joyce (Bluhm) and Jennie (Saathoff). The day after he graduated from Beatrice High School in 1963, he began working as a carpenter's apprentice. Because he was a quick learner with a strong work ethic, he was put in charge of the crew of apprentices. He later worked as a brick layer and a road construction worker. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a year and served in the Army National Guard. For several years, he worked for Avco Finance. In 1974, they moved to Crete, where he resided for over 50 years.

John met Judy Zvolanek in Beatrice, and they were married on Sept. 16, 1967, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wymore. They had 3 children: Jefferey Alan, Jodi Lynn, and Jason Robert. At the time of Judy's passing in 2009, they had been married for 41 years. John later married Diana (Dunham) Johnson of Crete on June 15, 2013.

John worked for Crete State Bank as a Vice President and Loan Officer until 1991, when he joined Napa Auto Parts in Crete. He owned the Wilber Napa store for a time as well. His son, Jason, later joined him in the business. John enjoyed serving and interacting with customers, who appreciated his friendliness and sense of humor. He faithfully continued to come to work daily beyond his 80th birthday, when it was no longer possible due to health issues.

John was a member of Sertoma, receiving the Sertoman of the Year Award for 1977-1978. For several decades, he assisted with the picnic for the Shriners' Football Game.

John is survived by his wife, Diana; sons Jeff of Stevensville, MT, and Jason (Xochitl) of Crete, and daughter Jodi (John) Meyer of Omaha; and stepsons David and Jason Dunham of Crete. Grandchildren:  Giovanny, Alexander, and Jaxon Boughtin of Crete; Alaina, Kaylin and Elisabeth Meyer of Omaha; Lillieanna Dunham, Maddyn and Kaden Dunham, all of Crete; Daniel Dunham of Alda, NE, and Patrick Williams of Littleton, CO.  Sister Joyce (Royce) Bluhm of Omaha. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

John is preceded in death by his first wife, Judy (Zvolanek) Boughtin, his parents, sister and brother-in-law Jennie and LeRoy Saathoff, and in-laws Helen and Andy Zvolanek.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home.