Taegen Reece Kratz, 24, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away at his home on July 8, 2026.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on July 20, 2001, Taegen lived life with a passion for the people and things he loved most. He recently graduated from Southeast Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Powersports Technology, turning his lifelong passion for motorcycles into a career he truly loved.
While attending college, Taegen worked for Lincoln Landscaping. After graduation, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a mechanic at Riverside Powersports in Beatrice, Nebraska, where he enjoyed the work he did and the people he worked with.
Taegen found great joy in dismantling and rebuilding his Harley-Davidson, combining his mechanical skills with his passion for motorcycles. He loved spending time outdoors fishing, riding, and making memories with family and friends. A lifelong sports fan, he could always be found cheering on the Nebraska Huskers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Weekend evenings at the dirt track were another favorite pastime, whether attending races at Eagle Raceway or Beatrice Speedway.
Bowling was one of Taegen’s favorite hobbies, and he was especially proud of achieving a personal best score of 222. He also enjoyed playing pickleball, going fishing, working on vehicles, adventuring on motorcycles, playing video games, and embracing every opportunity to spend time doing the things he loved with the people he cared about.
Above all, Taegen cherished his family and the life he shared with his fiancée, Madison DeBolt, with whom he looked forward to building a future. His contagious laugh, ever-present smile, and genuine kindness could light up a room. He had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and made everyone feel welcomed, included, and valued. His warm heart, adventurous spirit, and caring nature touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Taegen is lovingly survived by his fiancée, Madison DeBolt (Lincoln, NE); his mother, Brandie Kratz (Osceola, MO); his siblings, Jaxtyn Harvey (Osceola, MO), Beaudree Harvey (Lincoln, NE), Cameron Wise (Cedar Rapids, IA), Cristina Wise (Waterloo, IA), and Desaray Wise (Springfield, MO); along with many other relatives, friends, coworkers, and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.
A celebration of Taegen’s life will be held at Christ Place Church – Old Cheney Campus on Tuesday August 11, 2026 at 11:00 am. There will be a luncheon to follow.
In honor of Taegen and his favorite color, the family kindly invites all who attend to wear pink as a celebration of his life and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
Though his life was far too short, the impact he made on those around him will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Taegen’s name to Wheels 4 Warriors located at 5011 S 16th St, Ste 103, Lincoln NE 68512, or on their website at W4WUSA.
The charity outfits veterans with motorcycles and necessary gear required to become a motorcyclist.