James R. "Doc" Haver, 88, passed away on Sept. 4, 2026, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg. Jim was born on March 24, 1938, in Greeley, Colorado to Mary Winona Roucis.
After her marriage he was adopted by Joseph Haver and he called him dad. The family moved during his school years to Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado where he graduated from high school in Denver. Following high school, he enlisted in the Navy Reserves. He joined the Marine Corps as a second Lieutenant in the flight training program, and he flew active duty overseas prior to the Vietnam conflict. He was recruited by Air America flying helicopters until leaving the service as a 1st Lieutenant.
He attended Kearney State College and met his future wife, Judy Hergenrader. Following their graduation, he attended Creighton University Dental School. They moved to Gothenburg where he purchased his first and only practice, serving his patients for 35 years. Because of his dedication and care he became known as the painless dentist and today most still call him Doc.
During his lifetime he enjoyed many activities, loving the outdoors and spending time with his wife and three children. Activities included hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, racing sailboats, flying, riding motorcycles, and time at the lake and playing golf. His favorite course was Wild Horse, in which he was instrumental in establishing. In his final years he cherished his time spent with friends and family in attending many of his children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's events. Jim was an active member of the Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church. He carved turkeys for 50 years at the annual fall dinner and volunteered his time on repair and upgrade projects. He willingly volunteered his time to anyone who asked, including at Jeffrey Lake and moving cattle.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; two daughters, Cynthia Moore and Christine Haynes, all of Gothenburg; one son, James Haver and his wife Becky of Gretna; seven grandchildren, Cale Moore, Tylyn (Justin) Henry, Stuart Moore, Quinn Haynes, Cody (Carolyn) Nelson, James Haver and Brynn Haver; four great-grandchildren, Parker Henry, Braxton Henry, Adler Henry and Scottlynn Nelson; two sisters, Marcia and husband Steve Kirke of Des Moines, Iowa and Jan and her husband Gene Betts of Austin, Texas; and brother-in-law, Gerry Hergenrader of San Jose, California. Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Enda Edna and Dale Hanna; father-in-law, John 'Tex' Hergenrader; and sister-in-law, Joann Loibl. A register book signing will be held on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 4-7 p.m. at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg, with the family present from 4-6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, at Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church in Gothenburg, with Father Joseph Ravi Gudipalli officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, Central Plains Hospice or the Gothenburg Impact Center. Online condolences can be made at www.blasestrauser.com.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel & Monuments, 620 10th Street Gothenburg, NE 69138, (308) 537-2313.