It is with deep sorrow we announce the death of Cody, a remarkably, kind caring and compassionate young man. He possessed a gentle spirit and a generous heart, always looking for ways to lift those up around him and bring light into the lives of others. Cody accomplished so much in his 22 years. A genuine problem-solver at heart, he was always programming, developing another 3-D printer project, or creating remote-controlled lawn mowers. Anything he could do with his hands and mind, he was up for. Cody loved cars, working on them, and helping others fine-tune their cars as well. Cody especially loved Lego.
Cody graduated from Southeast High School, lettering in trap and swimming, and participating in track and field and DECA. Concurrently enrolled at Southeast Community College Career Academy, Cody earned a welding certificate that helped kick off his career. Cody eventually moved to the auto body field, completing an Associate of Science degree at Metro Community College and working for a couple of body shops in Lincoln.
Service was in Cody’s heart. Earning his Eagle Scout in 2019, Cody took the Scout slogan to heart, “Do a Good Turn Daily,” by always being there to help others, no matter the circumstances. He had a kind, caring heart and was always willing to help neighbors and friends.
Cody liked being outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, but he was always interested in picking morels every spring. He spent time on Lake Michigan fishing for salmon and on the San Juan River with his dad fishing for trout. He earned his Scuba diving certificate.
Though his journey was cut too far short, the warmth, love, and laughter he shared during his time with us will never be forgotten. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends. Cody is now reunited with his grandparents, Richard and Margaret Wiquist, Tom Mantonya, and Norma Steffens, and Leonard Haraughty, as well as great-grandparents Loyal Monroe Clough and Cora Louise Beckwith.
Cody is survived by his parents, Kurt & Becky, older sister Margaret (Maggy), and little brother, Brady, all of Lincoln, Nebraska. His grandmother, Cristy Mantonya of Oswego, Kansas; his aunt, Amber Vance (Mantonya) of Oswego, Kansas; his uncle Marty Vance of Oswego, Kansas; and Rich Wiquist of Royal Oak, Michigan. Two cousins, Rowdy Vance of Parsons, Kansas, and Brody Vance of Columbus, Kansas.
Please always tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, and get them help when they are struggling. Please tell the quiet, soft-spoken kids how valuable they are, because they are. Please reach out for help. We need to do better to help people struggling with mental health. Please remember the 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline are there to help and hope.
The family will be having a service at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel (4300 “O” Street Lincoln, NE).
Service Recording: