Keith Heuermann, (Higby-McQuiston Mortuary, Courtesy)
PHILLIPS. – A Phillips businessman known for his ability to breed corn and popcorn, as well to work as a philanthropist, has died.
Bernard Keith Heuermann, 99, of Phillips, died March 29, 2025, in Grand Island a few short weeks before his 100th birthday.
B. Keith Heuermann, Heuermann, his father, and his brother, Gene, founded Prairie Valley Hybrids, according to Heuermann’s obituary.
The company developed some of the earliest known single cross hybrids in 1957. Heuermann also complete his bachelor’s degree that year. He was a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As a student in University of Nebraska’s College of Agriculture, where began studying seed corn research.
In 1979, after years of success, Prairie Valley Hybrids sold. After years of research and development in popcorn hybrids, BKH Popcorn Inc. sold its first products in 1992 and continued selling retail microwave popcorn and commercial mushroom popcorn until the company’s sale in 2007. BKH Popcorn gained popularity by being sold on the QVC network and was also sold in area grocery stores.
Heuermann was also known as a philanthropist. His family has two foundations: the Bernard K. and Norma F. Heuermann Foundation and the Heuermann Family Charitable Trust. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Hastings College are among recipients of Heuermann’s donations. His philanthropic endeavors included support for education, disabled individuals, and rural communities.
Throughout childhood, Keith worked alongside his father on their family farm, Prairie Valley Farms. He graduated from Phillips High School in 1942.
He and his wife, Norma, were married in 1962 and had four children.
According to his obituary, Heuermann’s community involvement included leadership on numerous boards and serving within many organizations, including: Farmers State Bank of Aurora, Pinnacle Bank of Aurora, Nebraska Seedsman Association, Nebraska Seed Advisory Committee, Nebraska Wesleyan University Board of Governors, University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee, Keystone Lodge #62, Aurora Development Corporation, and the Phillips United Methodist Church.
He received numerous awards for his contributions in agriculture, business, and philanthropy, including: the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association’s Premier Seed Grower (1968) and Distinguished Service Award (1993), UNL College of Business Entrepreneur of the Year (1998) Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame (1999), the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement (2000), and the NEBRASKAland Foundation Award (2016).
He was a deeply committed Cornhusker fan, attending almost every home football game for over 50 years.
A visitation for Heuermann will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 2 at the Phillips Memorial Hall. A Private Celebration of Life will be held for the family at a later date.
Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made in care of family.
I first met Mr. Heuermann when I was working as a reporter for the Grand Island Independent. I interviewed him for a story about BKH Popcorn. Years later, his wife lived across the hall from my Dad at a Grand Island retirement community. I had conversations with Mr. Heuermann when he came to visit his wife.
