I am so sorry for your loss.  Because generally the bank can not release funds that belong to the estate to anyone other than to the fiduciary who is the PR and the Will has to be offered for probate and the PR appointed by a Judge.  But you should check the laws regarding small estate in Nebraska becuase they might be able to help you with the matter.  It is an abbreviated proceeding in court that will allow the bank to release the funds.  Go to the probate court in the county in which he resided at the time of his death.  Good luck.