Former county and district court judge John P. Icenogle passed away on April 12, 2024, at his residence in Kearney. Icenogle began his judicial career in 1976 as judge of the county court in Kearney (former 12th Judicial District - Buffalo & Hall Counties). He was subsequently appointed to the district court, where he remained until his retirement in 2016. Throughout his tenure, he held the presidency of both the county and district court judges associations and actively contributed to their education committees. Commencing in 2006, he assumed the role of designated judge for the Central Nebraska Adult Drug Court, a program he established in Buffalo and Hall Counties.

According to John Hendry, retired Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, “John was not only an outstanding Judge, but a kind and caring person.”

Icenogle's contribution to the Nebraska legal community is reflected in the enduring program of judicial education he helped establish within the Judicial Branch.

Retired District Court Judge Gary Randall noted, “John was a credit to the bench of County and District Court. He was a leader who mentored many, generously sharing the wisdom gained from his extensive judicial experience.”  Expanding on Randall’s sentiments, US Senior District Court Judge John Gerrard wrote, “John was an excellent judge, a true leader, and an even better human being. He always took the law seriously, but he never took himself too seriously - a man with a fabulous sense of humor.” Gerrard continued, “I served with John on the initial Judicial Branch Education committee, which took judicial education into the 21st century for all judges (county, juvenile, & district). John's vast experience, innovative thoughts, and common sense benefitted the entire state of Nebraska for decades.”

Read Judge Icenogle's obituary here.