Jeff E. Backstrom, age 64, formerly of Concordia, KS, played his final round of golf and cast his last fishing line on Sunday, June 16, 2024 surrounded by his family at Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems, Beloit, KS. He was born on May 18, 1960 in Wakefield, NE to Dean H.L. & Norma L. (Erwin) Backstrom.
Jeff graduated from Wayne High School in 1978, Wayne, NE. In his early years he worked for Heritage Homes in Wayne and worked in custom farming for Kenny Austin. On September 11, 1982, Jeff married Wanda A. Reitz in Grand Island, NE. They continued to live in Wayne until they moved to Concordia, KS in 1985. He worked for ABB Raymond, Alstom Power and Pre-Heater and then Arvos until 2016 when the plant closed. He was one of the original 26 that returned to the plant in 2017 with Concordia Technologies. Jeff worked in several areas throughout his career in the painting department, inventory specialist, sandblasting, inventory control/prefab and later as a supervisor and manager for the metal prefab department until an accident forced him to retire in 2023.
All throughout his life, Jeff loved to fish, hunt, play golf and drive a boat! In his younger years, he played slow pitch softball, ‘old man’ basketball and anything that got him out of the house. He was especially fond of family and friends’ trips to the mountains and snow skiing. He enjoyed playing cards, collecting coins, his Husker football and Husker sports in general. The last few years, he and Wanda enjoyed their time with family and friends at Waconda Lake.
Jeff was involved with his children’s activities from junior golf to baseball, basketball, track and field, especially pole vaulting. Jeff’s pride and joy was becoming a grandpa to Culver, Thomas, Palmer and Colter. He loved to teach them things about hunting, fishing, life lessons and just spending time with them. They are the reason he fought so hard in his battle after his accident and throughout his cancer journey.
He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, former member of the ELKS Lodge in Concordia KS, Cloud County Ducks Unlimited and the Concordia Country Club, American Legion Golf Course and Concordia Golf & Wellness.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda, Beloit, KS; son, Beau Backstrom (Ana), Big Sky, MT; daughter, Mallory Hulett, (Connor), Beloit, KS; grandchildren, Culver, Palmer & Colter Hulett and Thomas Backstrom; sister, Nancy Lind (Terry), Louisville, CO; several nieces & nephews and too many friends to count.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
It was Jeff’s wishes to be cremated but he wanted to have one last party and have “one more before we all go home” at 5 pm, Thursday, June 20, 2024 at the Concordia Golf & Wellness golf course, 600 W. 13th St., Concordia, KS. Friends may sign the register book from 1-8 pm with a Rosary service at 6 pm and the family greeting friends from 6:30-7:30 pm, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Cloud County Ducks Unlimited for Lifetime Youth Hunting Licenses. Jeff also wanted it to be a casual affair, so please wear your comfortable golf attire. Please feel free to bring a lawn chair or drive your golf cart up to the clubhouse for your seat to his celebration! For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, 325 W. 6th St., PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901 is handling arrangements.