Victor I. Jeep, 71, of Tekamah, a pioneer in Nebraska's once-booming potash industry, died last Thursday in an Omaha hospital. He was one of four men who found commnercial deposits of potash on an expedition into western Nebraska lake beds nearly 40 years ago. Potash became a multi-million-dollar industry in the state while the German supply was cut off during World War I.

The industry died after the war. In recent years Mr. Jeep had been associated with western Nebraska oil companies.

Surviving are his wife, Augusta; two sons, Victor, Jr., and Robert, both of Tekamah; and three grandchildren. The funeral was held at Tekamah Saturday, with the Rev. Samuel Elliston of St. Mary's Episcopal Church of Blair officiating. Burial was in Tekamah Cemetery.