And in fall 2012, a Lincoln elementary school will open, named for the man who spent years working with young students as part of a national program called "Poets in the Schools."

"He was a great poet, but he might have been an even better teacher," said longtime friend John Walker.

On Tuesday, Walker and another close friend, Jim Pipher, went to visit the state poet at his home.

They'd been stopping by every few weeks to play music, swap stories and jokes.

"I put him to work," Walker said. "I brought him a poem to critique ... which he did in his indomitable fashion."

The poet's mind was as sharp as ever, Walker said. But his body was giving out.

"I told Twyla I thought that would be the last time I'd see him, at least on this earth."

The word of the poet's passing spread Thursday via email and phone calls and Facebook.

His family gathered at the home he shared with Eloise, his wife of 58 years and the subject of many of his poems.

At mid-afternoon, final arrangements still were being made.

Pipher spoke at the request of the Kloefkorn family.