Beau Sterling Saner, cherished father, son, and brother, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, at the age of 44, due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident north of Burwell, Nebraska. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.
Born May 25, 1982, in Alliance, Nebraska, Beau was the son of Leslie E. and Christine S. (Kovarik) Saner. He spent his early years moving among the communities of Alliance, North Platte, Brule, Ogallala, Genoa, Spalding and Burwell. He received his early education in Ogallala and graduated from Genoa High School in 2001.
In his early adulthood, Beau demonstrated remarkable versatility and skills across various roles. His interests and talents centered on agriculture, where he applied his knowledge as a welder in the manufacturing industry, truck driver, mechanic, and as a dedicated worker in feedlots and hayfields. His true passion lay in ranching, caring for livestock and LOVE of horses.
In May 2007, he was united into marriage with Nikki Grape. Of that union, came his GREATEST life rewards, his stepson, Kaden Grape; son, Kolten Saner and bonus son, Landyen Grape.
Beau’s love of Rodeo was his life. In high school, he was a standout Bull Rider which was his greatest passion, and Bareback Rider, maintaining top positions until 2000 when a severe head injury during a bareback ride left him disabled. Despite this setback, Beau’s connection to rodeo continued; he remained actively involved by working the stripping chutes and supporting Rodeo Bible Camps. He played an instrumental role in his son Kolten’s Rodeo journey, imparting invaluable skills and knowledge of bull riding. Watching and guiding Kolten in the arena was a source of joy for him.
Beau was also a devoted member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ and belonged to the American Quarter Horse Association. Outside of the rodeo world, he enjoyed playing pool and cards, was an avid gun collector, enjoyed woodworking, and treasured socializing with friends. Among these friendships, his bond with Jim Jezbeara was particularly close, marked by profound loss as Jim passed away just hours prior to Beau. His most recent employment was for Jim and Jimmy Jezbera which was a great joy for him. He thought of them as family and always felt at home with them.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Kolten Saner; stepson, Kaden Grape and bonus son, Landyen Grape all of Wray, Colorado; mother and stepfather, Chris and Doug Welton of Burwell; father, Leslie E. Saner of Humprey; three brothers, L.J. Saner (Lois Rombach) of Columbus, Dusty Saner (Malay) of Humprey, and Rusty (Jeni) Saner of Bartow, Florida; stepsiblings, Justin Welton (Jenny Shandra), Morgan (David) Hause, Chelsey (Shaun) Erwin, Scott Cramer, Cyndie Cramer, Michelle (Ryan) Reifschneider; stepfather, Tom (Susie) Sherman; stepmother, Connie Saner; many loving step nephews and nieces; aunts; uncles; cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by infant brother, Jason Saner; grandparents, Don and Shirely Saner, Eldon and Melrae Kovarik, Ken and June Sherman and Spike and Betty Welton; aunt, Jean Long; uncle, Tim Kovarik and cousins, Zane Long and Trent Wilson.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Burwell, Nebraska. Reverend Shelby Moock and Pastor Alan Petersen will officiate. Interment will be held in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, Nebraska. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice. Still Waters Funeral Parlor is assisting with the arrangements. Online Condolences may be left at www.stillwatersfuneralparlor.com
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