Obituary for Fr. Martin 'Marty" Egging

Fr. Martin "Marty" Egging, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Grand Island, passed away on July 1, 2025, at the age of 64 in Omaha, Nebraska. Marty was born on June 20, 1961, in Sidney, Nebraska, to Lawrence and Carolee Egging. He was a lifelong resident of Nebraska and spent much of his youth on the family farm, where he worked alongside his family and learned the value of hard work. From an early age, he showed a deep devotion to the Catholic faith, often playing “church” with his siblings and cousins—always taking the role of priest. That childhood dream became a lifelong vocation.
Marty attended school in Gurley, Nebraska, until 1978, when Gurley consolidated with Dalton. He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Leyton High School in 1979. Following his high school graduation, he pursued higher education at Chadron State College, where he earned a degree in education with a focus on mathematics and computer science in 1983. He taught math and computer science in Hemingford, Nebraska, for five years, before answering a deeper call to priesthood.
In 1988, Marty enrolled at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana to pursue his vocation. He graduated in 1993 and was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Grand Island in June 11, 1993.
Fr. Marty’s first pastoral assignment was at Blessed Sacrament in Grand Island, where he served from 1993 until 1999. From 1999 until 2005, he served at St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Chappell, Sacred Heart in Lodgepole, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Oshkosh and St. Gall in Lisco, NE. From 2005 to 2016 he served at Our Lady of Lourdes in Ravenna and St. Josaphat at Loup City, St. Mary’s in Pleasanton, St. Gabriel in Hazard, St. Francis in Ashton and St. Mary’s of the Rosary at Rockville.
Fr. Marty then returned to Blessed Sacrament in Grand Island in 2016, where he continued to serve as priest until his semi-retirement in 2023. During his semi-retirement, he moved to Pleasanton, Nebraska, where he served the local nursing home and filled in for other priests when needed.
While serving as a Priest, Fr. Marty was a kidney-double pancreas transplant recipient. Fr. Marty was known for his deep faith, his compassion, and his sense of humor. Over the years, he faithfully served his flock, touching the lives of many across the state of Nebraska. He developed lasting friendships wherever he went and was beloved by his parishioners and colleagues alike.
Fr. Marty is survived by his sister, Carmen (Steve) Draper of Dalton; his brother, Kent Egging of Gurley; niece Samantha (Keelan) Halvorsen of Ketchikan, Alaska; his dear friend Patrick Gasseling of Grand Island; and his beloved corgi, Winston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Carolee Egging, and many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday July 7th with a Wake/Rosary Service beginning at 7 PM at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, also at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt will preside with Bishop James Golka as the Celebrant, assisted by the Priests of the Diocese of Grand Island. Cremation will take place following the Mass with burial of ashes on Tuesday, July 15th, at 10:30 a.m. at the Gurley Cemetery with Father Tim Stoner and family and friends.
All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family's choice or Central Nebraska Humane Society.
Fr. Marty will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.