Bernard H. Koetter

MARCH 31, 1935 - OCTOBER 3, 2013

Bernard Henry Koetter, age 78, of McCook, NE, died Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 at home in McCook, NE.

Bernard Henry Koetter was born on March 31st, 1935 at the family farmhouse north of McCook, NE to Arthur and Mary (Lepper) Koetter and was confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church . He started school in a one-room schoolhouse in Red Willow County and continued his elementary education in McCook, graduating in 1952 from McCook Senior High School in McCook, NE. High school activities included Legion baseball, track and member of the FFA.

Upon graduation, he worked at McCook Packing Plant, Standard Oil and on the family farm and dairy. On July 4, 1953 he married Sharon Ann Skoumal in McCook, NE. To this union seven children were born.

Bernard, a lifelong farmer, raised hogs, sheep and dairy cows with his sons and daughters, was involved in little league baseball and softball with all his children. After retirement from his dairy after 40 years he and Sharon moved to town where he continued farming until death. Bernard loved farming with his son Todd on the home farm. He was a member of Elks, the Eagles Club and Dairy Farmers of America. He enjoyed playing Legion baseball, softball for many years, hunting, watching grandkids play softball, Nebraska football and basketball and was a avid pitch player with many of his dear friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon; 2 sons, Michael (Merry) of McCook, NE, Todd (Lisa) of McCook, NE, and 3 daughters Sara (David) Blankenship of Minneapolis, KS., Lisa (Terry) Einspahr of McCook and Juli (Darin) Newquist of Bothell, WA., three brothers Arthur and Richard of McCook, Jim (Barb) of Pocatello, ID., and one sister, Veldron Harmon of McCook, ten grandchildren, Nicole, Kayla, Chance, Trina, Kirk, Justin, Jessica, Amanda, Elizabeth and Sidney; two great grandchildren, Araceli, Adrian; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Bernard was a good man, hard working farmer who was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary, sister, Rose and husband Gene Doyle, brother-in-law Beanie Harmon, sister-in-laws Pat and Marilyn Koetter and infant twins Mark and Mary.

Visitation will be held at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook, NE from 2 to 6 pm Monday, October 7th 2013 and Rosary following at 7:00 pm.

Funeral Mass services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 at St. Patrick Catholic Church McCook, NE with Father Gary Brethour, officiating. Interment following in Calvary Cemetery McCook.

Memorials may be given to McCook Chapter FFA in his name or a charity of the families choice.