Our Staff

Tracey Dietz

Tracey Dietz joined Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home in St. Paul and Greenway Funeral Home in Palmer in 2017.  Tracey and Dirk purchased the businesses on January 1, 2019, which became Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz and Greenway-Dietz Funeral Homes.

Tracey has been a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in Nebraska since 2001, previously working in Lincoln and Grand Island.

She was raised on the family farm in Garrison, North Dakota.  She graduated from Garrison High School in Garrison, ND.  She received her Associates Degree in Art and Science at Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. 

Tracey is married to Dirk Dietz and the couple have one daughter, Scotlyn Rose, who attends St. Paul Public School.  Dirk is the General Manager for Howard Greeley Rural Public Power District.

They are members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in St. Paul.  Tracey currently is a member of the St. Paul Rotary Club, serves on the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce Board, the GCA Days Committee & the St. Paul Public School PTO.  

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Bill Greenway

Bill was born in Grand Island. Bill is a 2nd generation funeral director from Palmer, NE.  He attended Kearney State College and graduated from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in 1976.  He and his wife Darby moved to St. Paul in August 1989.

He became a partner of Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home in 2000, becoming sole owner in 2005.

He and his wife Darby reside in St. Paul and have three grown children; Ashley and her husband, Jeff of Phoenix, Alex and his wife, Liz, of Lincoln and Austin and his wife Tracy of North Pole, Alaska and six grandchildren. 

Bill is a member of the United Methodist Church of St. Paul, St. Paul Rotary Club, Nebraska Funeral Directors Association, and National Funeral Directors Association.

On January 1, 2019, Bill and Darby sold the business to Tracey and Dirk Dietz.  Bill still remains active at the funeral home, but is also enjoying being retired. 

Val Killinger

Valerie "Val" (Christensen) Killinger was pleased to join the staff full time on January 1, 2019 as the office manager. Val is a graduate of St. Paul High School and married her husband, Gene a little over a long time ago! They have three grown children, Gena of Grand Island, Justin of Wolbach, and Michael and wife, Cece of Broken Bow; and Justin's two wonderful sons, Jace and Tucker. She is a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, serving as organist/pianist and choir director and serves on the Church Council. Val serves on the State Women's Church Board also. She is a past president and current member of St. Paul Rotary Club and President of the Sanderup Trust Board. Val enjoys playing the piano, quilting, gardening, canning, cooking, and spending time with her grandsons, friends, and the rest of the family. 

Jacob Etherton

Jacob resides in Palmer, NE on the Etherton family farm. Jacob graduated from Palmer High School in 1999. He attended Wayne State College and Central Community College and received an associate degree in Criminal Justice. Jacob works full-time for Hanke Farms where he helps farm and raises cattle.

Jacob is married to Amanda and the couple have one son, Kinren. Jacob and his family are active in their community. Jacob is a member of the Palmer Volunteer Fire Department, Palmer Youth Sports Association, Sons of the American Legion, Lutheran Church and a member of Merrick County Fair Board. Jacob enjoys spending time with his family and all outdoor activities. 

Bonnie Beed

Bonnie was born and raised in Palmer, NE.  She graduated from Palmer High School in 1968.  She also earned a CMS certification and worked at the Coolidge Center in Palmer and for Midland Aging for a total of 32 years.  She also worked at Palmer High School in the resource program as a paraprofessional.

Bonnie resides in Grand Island and has two grown children and four grandchildren. Her husband Carl died in 2016.

Bonnie is a member of First Church of Christ and serves as assistant treasurer and vice president of the Ladies Willing Workers and the Burton Beyer American Legion Auxiliary Unit #120 of Palmer.  She also served on the Palmer Village Board.

Bonnie helps with visitations and funerals.

Bob Petersen

Bob is a lifelong resident of Dannebrog.  He has been married to his wife Zonna for 46 years.

They have two children, Dave and his wife, Shawna of Peoria, AZ and Dana and her husband, David of Laramie, WY and five grandchildren.

He is a member of First Baptist Church in Dannebrog where he has served as an Elder and Jr. High Sunday School teacher.  Spending time with his grandchildren, riding his Harley, bending a fishing pole and enjoying the state recreation areas in his camper are his favorite activities.

Bob works as a funeral assistant.            

Ron Derner

Ron is a Funeral Assistant for the funeral homes. Ron retired from teaching sixth grade at St. Paul Public Schools, having taught school for many years. A native of the Burwell area, Ron enjoys fishing and hunting. He and his wife, Jan have enjoyed traveling in their motor home to warmer winter weather. Ron has two children, Doug and his family of St. Paul, and Tammy and her family of St. Paul. He has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ron is a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul.

Kristy Smith

Kristy (Bader) Smith and her husband, Gary reside on the smith farm near Palmer, Nebraska. Kristy grew up in the Worms area and graduated from Palmer High School. Kristy and Gary have four children, Brock * Alissa Smith, Wesley Smith, Garrison & Kylie Smith, and Haleigh & Nick Richards; and seven grandchildren. Kristy also works in the aquatic department at the YMCA in Grand Island, and the Waterpark in St. Paul. When she is not working, Kristy enjoys photography and gardening. Kristy and Gary are members of Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island. Kristy is a funeral assistant for the funeral homes. 

Jim and Ruth Jacobsen

Jim and Ruth are retired from the funeral home but continue to help out whenever they are needed.  We are grateful to have them as part of our staff!