Gerald Strong

Gerald E. Strong, 80, of North Platte, Nebraska, died September 16, 2014 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, NE.

He was born February 9, 1934 in Milford, NE, son of Guy and Alice Strong. He grew up in Ord, Callaway, and Cairo. Following high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country from 1951-1955. Gerald married Arlene Southard on June 1, 1956 at the Cairo Baptist Church in Cairo, NE. Gerald worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company for 35 years and retired in 1990.

He was a member of the American Legion as well as the telephone company pioneers. Gerald enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, playing pool, family outings, as well as wintering in Texas for 19 years. He was also an avid Husker fan.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Arlene L Strong of North Platte, four daughters- Terri (Lane) Nordin of Gothenburg, Deborah Strong of Gothenburg, Barbara (Daryl) Debus of Lincoln and Kath (Rodger) Earll of Gothenburg, grandson Joshua (Frances) Nordin of Bennett, NE, grandson Matthew (Lisa) Nordin of Omaha, NE, grandson Andrew Nordin of Lincoln, NE, grandson Christopher (Courtney) Strong of Hastings, NE, granddaughter Ashley (JD) Riley of Gothenburg, NE, grandson William Strong of Scottsdale, AZ, granddaughter Nichole (Aaron) Grimes of Elm Creek, NE, grandson Ryan (Katie) Lauer of Lincoln, NE, grandson Brandon (Brittnie) Lauer of Hinton, IA, grandson Justin (Jennifer) Debus of Omaha, NE, grandson Rodger (Kanda) Earll, Jr of Gothenburg, NE, grandson Mike (Monica) Earll of Gothenburg, grandson Kevin (Heather) Earll of Brady, granddaughter Dee (Brad) Miller of Gothenburg, 22 great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren, dear Aunt Bea Southard of Grand Island, NE as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, September 18, 2014, 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm with the family present from 5-7 pm.

Services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 19, 2014 Evangelical Free Church, 1721 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE with Pastor Nathaniel Gustafson officiating.

Interment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Senior Center, 410 20th St. Gothenburg, NE 69138 or Evangelical Free Church, 1721 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138.