The Central City Republican-Nonpareil | March 19, 2026

Marty J. Miller, 85, of Lincoln, passed away March 3, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born June 2, 1940, in Lexington, Marty was the son of George and Frances (Battle) Miller.

In his early childhood, the family moved from Lexington to Hanna, Wyoming. They later moved to Central City, where his father served as head coach and principal. Marty was raised in Central City and lived there until graduating from high school.

Marty earned a Regents Scholarship and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he received a bachelor’s of arts degree in history and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.

He later graduated from Creighton Paramedic School, combining intellect and service in a way that would define much of his professional life.

In 1967, Marty founded Eastern Ambulance Service with Craig “Huey” Dodge. Prior to starting the company, Marty and Craig had both been working at Roper & Sons Mortuary when the mortuary decided to exit the ambulance business, selling them equipment and leasing two ambulances to provide the foundation for launching Eastern Ambulance Service.

After Craig Dodge left the company to pursue a career in law enforcement, his brother Mike Dodge and Russ Bayer joined the ambulance company as partners.

Together they grew the business into Nebraska’s largest private ambulance service, employing more than 200 individuals with locations in Lincoln, Omaha, Hastings, and Grand Island, including a partnership in an air ambulance service based in Lincoln. After serving for nearly thirty years as president, the company was sold to Arizona- based Rural Metro in 1994. Although Marty retired at that time, his partnership with Russ Bayer and Mike Dodge continued through several other ventures, including the restaurant and bar Huey’s, named in honor of their former partner Craig “Huey” Dodge, who was killed in the line of duty as a Lancaster County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Never one to remain idle for long, Marty returned to professional life over a decade later to serve as president of Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery. His long-standing fascination with old cemeteries and gravestones—interests he pursued across Nebraska and neighboring states—made this role a natural extension of his curiosity and deep respect for history.

Marty was one of the founding members and a past chair of the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA). He was a long-time member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Lincoln, and a devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church in Central City, as well as a member of the Northeast Rotary Club. He also proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Marty found great joy in time spent at the family cabin in Clarks.

He loved having coffee on the deck and taking in the sunrise over Sundance Lake. Those quiet mornings were some of his favorite moments.

His grandchildren especially cherished their time with him there, where laughter, stories, and simple moments together created memories that will last a lifetime.

Marty and Cheryl also shared a deep love for the mountains of Colorado, especially the time they spent in Vail and Copper Mountain, where many treasured days were enjoyed with family and friends. Marty was rarely without the loyal company of his faithful German Shepherd, Ritter, who went nearly everywhere with him and was a constant companion. An avid reader, Marty was seldom without a book in hand.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; sons, Scott (Susy) and Michael; daughter, Kirstin Fasbender (Chris); and grandchildren, Drew Miller (Kylee), Liesl Pollack (Jordan), Van Fasbender, Fyn Fasbender, and Piper Fasbender.

Visitation was held Monday, March 9th at Roper & Sons Mid-Town Chapel, Lincoln. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 10th at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Lincoln, where his grandchildren honored him in a meaningful way. Piper Fasbender, Van Fasbender, Liesl Miller, and Drew Miller each participated in the service through scripture readings, while Fyn Fasbender sang Papa’s favorite hymns, “Blessed Assurance” and “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.”

Their participation was a reflection of their deep love and great respect for him. Tributes shared by Scott Miller, Van Fasbender, Russ Bayer, Debby Brehm, Doug Wyatt, and Mike Stuhr at the reception at Wyuka were heartfelt and deeply moving, honoring Marty’s life, legacy, and the many lives he touched.

Memorials may be directed to the Merrick Foundation, Marty Miller endowment fund; 1532 17th Ave, Suite B, Central City, NE 68826 or www.merrickfoundation. org/martymiller. com, a tribute to Marty’s lifelong connection to Merrick County and the place he always considered home.