A local hero in northern Nebraska has passed away from COVID-19. Now the community is coming together to remember him.

The town of Ponca in Dixon County is mourning the loss of their volunteer department's Chief Bob Kneifl, known affectionately as 'Husker Bob.' The community and family held a procession and funeral Thursday morning.

Kneifl's buddy and coworker Mark Cook said Bob leaves a legacy of devotion.

"Fire prevention was his joy, he loved kids, he was well known in Northeast Nebraska, everybody liked him ... we're going to miss him very much," Cook said.

After 26 years at the volunteer department, Kneifl was diagnosed with COVID-19 two weeks ago.

The department said there have been no other outbreaks in the station, but that the town has 16 cases right now.

Wednesday, fire departments across northeast Nebraska lit up their vehicles to honor the hero.

Then Thursday, families gathered outside their porches during the procession in a show of solidarity.

One community member, Joshua Block, even made a goodbye sign for Bob.

When Husker Bob wasn't at the station, you could find him just down the street, he owned and managed the nearby auto shop.

He was known for helping out whenever someone needed a hand, from major disasters like the flooding in years past to little things - like a tire change.

And he wasn't shy; he rode a horse at the local rodeo and would toss frisbees to the kids at the local school.

"We called him Spongebob Firepants," said Chief Brad Krohn.