Phelps Families: Get to Know the Feusners, High-School Sweethearts Who Love Living in Holdrege

The people who call Phelps County home are one of the region's biggest assets. Whenever someone moves here, they can immediately join a thriving community of friends and neighbors who are eager to offer their support.  

To showcase how wonderful our residents are, the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) has started a series called Phelps Families. This is a great way to meet the residents of Phelps County and learn about their connections to the region.

Today, meet Chelsea and Jeremy Feusner, a couple who was born in Holdrege and loves calling Phelps County home. Read more about their experience in our corner of Nebraska.

The Feusners Left Phelps County But Returned for Their Sons  

Chelsea and Jeremy's story is notable because they were both born in Phelps County and stayed together as high school sweethearts. They moved to other parts of Nebraska for career opportunities but always considered Holdrege home. Holdrege is where both of their parents live, along with Jeremy's grandmother and a few siblings. After 15 years in other parts of the state, the Feusners returned home because they realized Holdrege was a better place to raise their sons.

“We wanted to raise our boys in a smaller school setting,” says Chelsea. “The positives were clear: being closer to family, smaller class sizes, access to amenities, a strong sense of community, a slower pace of life, lower cost of living, and shared conservative values.”

Chelsea and Jeremy can easily commute to Kearney when they need to, but the flexibility of remote work made it easy to choose exactly where they want to live. 

Jeremy is an Active Business Leader in the Phelps Community

Jeremy Feusner was able to move his family back to Holdrege because of his work as a professional land surveyor. He currently works for the Nebraska Public Power District and is the founder of Feusner Land Surveying, LLC. Jeremy's commitment to his profession is evident through his active involvement with the Professional Surveyors Association of Nebraska (PSAN), where he has served as board president and continues to serve as a board member. Recently, the governor appointed Jeremy to the Nebraska Board of Examiners for Land Surveyors, recognizing his expertise and leadership in the field.

Jeremy's passion for serving others extends beyond his professional life. He has been involved in fire service for 20 years and is currently a member of the Holdrege Fire Department. He also serves on the Legion Board, coaches at the YMCA, and volunteers at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. As a business owner, he is also a Chamber member.

Chelsea Supports the Next Generation of Nebraska Educators

Dr. Chelsea Feusner started her career as a music teacher and she eventually became an elementary school principal and district director. Her job was to oversee early childhood and elementary schools in Kearney. She is now an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she teaches principals, superintendents, and special education directors to embrace best practices in educational administration. Chelsea is particularly passionate about the educator shortage, especially in rural Nebraska. She focuses her research efforts on women in leadership, the adoption of artificial intelligence, and mental health care.

Since moving to Holdrege, Chelsea has served as secretary for the Iron Horse District, treasurer of the Tassel Board, president of the Holdrege High School Music Booster Club, and organizer of the Phelps County singing group. She is also a member of PEO and active at Mt. Calvary.

Together, Jeremey and Chelsea have two boys. Carter is a sophomore who enjoys drumming, soccer, and baseball. Callen is a 2nd grader who loves playing any sport and the piano. They also have two dogs. As a family, they are remodeling an iconic 1910 home in Holdrege and enjoy working on construction projects together.

Phelps County Offers a Rural Setting With an Array of Activities 

Moving back to Holdrege allowed the Feusners to return to a close-knit community and reconnect with family. Their boys will grow up near their grandparents and other relatives. Chelsea says that Phelps County is a peaceful community, “where strong agricultural roots instill a work ethic that’s second to none.” She also highlights the low cost of living as an asset when you are raising a family.

However, Holdrege isn’t just a sleepy town. The Feusners highlight all the ways it has grown in recent years, making life more enjoyable in the area.

“We have a growing fine arts and crafts scene, sports programs, and a variety of activities at the library, theater, and local brewery,” says Chelsea. “Holdrege is also home to great parks, perfect for family time. These features combine to create a well-rounded, fulfilling lifestyle that we are truly enjoying.”

The Feusners returned to Holdrege for their existing support systems but have found that Phelps County offers plenty of activities, events, and community groups that make life fun. 

The Feusners Are Excited to See Phelps County Grow

When you ask the Feusners about themselves, they highlight all of the groups and organizations they are part of. They play a direct role in the amenities and activities found in Phelps County. The Feusners recognize that they can make Holdrege a place where their sons want to live.

“A thriving community depends on strong amenities like parks, pools, schools, and libraries – resources that attract and retain employees and their families,” says Chelsea. “These are the elements that make a place where people truly want to live, work, and raise their children.”

She adds that their family was excited to support the new library project and any other initiatives that enhance the community. They want to make Phelps County more inviting and full of opportunities for everyone. 

Discover Why Other Families Call Phelps Home

Chelsea and Jeremy Feusner, along with their boys, are just one example of a family that has invested in Phelps County and received countless dividends in community support and care. They get back what they put into the local business sector, volunteer organizations, and school groups.

Learn why thousands of other families are choosing Phelps County. Explore the quality of life in the region and the support systems Holdrege and other towns have in place. Choose Phelps for your future home. We can’t wait to meet you.