He attended Special Education classes in Lincoln Public Schools and lived at home until his mother’s passing in 1989. He then became a resident at Martin Luther Home (now Mosaic). Brian participated in the church bell choir, Special Olympics bowling, the campus workshop and was employed at the local theatre and pharmacy in Beatrice.
Brian touched the hearts of many staff and residents at Hickory House as he resided in his comfortable room for all of his 36 years at Mosaic. Brian will be fondly remembered for his love of food and going out to eat with the family or staff to favorite places – Runza, Valentino’s and Burger King. Trips with the family to Playa Azul for Mexican food and virgin margaritas were a special treat. Brian enjoyed vintage television shows and regularly watched MeTV, Grit westerns and game show reruns. He was also a fan of Husker football and would wear his red Husker gear on game days. Brian loved celebrating his birthday and holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween.
Brian had a close bond with Beth, a staff member at Hickory. She took him under her wing and provided a loving structure that kept Brian engaged in activities in his later years. We will forever be grateful for her and the entire staff at Mosaic who cared for Brian and provided him with a fulfilling adult life.
Survived by his sister, Sue (Steve) Marcelino; brother, Steve (Ruthy Lehmann) Ketelhut; nieces, Keleigh Ketelhut and Nichole (David) Kitsmiller; and great-nieces, Brooke and Taylor Kitsmiller. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Randy, and sister, Jane.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in the Mosaic chapel (722 S 12th St, Beatrice, NE 68310).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations to be used for a memorial at Hickory House to celebrate and remember Brian.