Frank John Potthoff

Nov. 13, 1936--Oct. 5, 2010

PALISADE, Nebraska -- Franklin John Potthoff, 73, passed away Tuesday (Oct. 5, 2010) at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

He was born Nov. 13, 1936, in Hitchcock County to John and Amelia (Fries) Potthoff. He grew up on a farm south of Palisade and attended country school until the eighth grade. He graduated from Palisade Public School in 1953 and farmed with his father until 1957 at which time he became employed by Southwest Public Power District.

He married Betty Lawless on April 22, 1956, and became a member of the Palisade United Methodist Church in 1958. Frank and Betty spent their entire married life in Palisade. Together they raised two sons and two daughters.

Frank was very active in the community. He was a member of the Palisade Volunteer Fire Department, the Community Service Club, and the Methodist Church. One special joy was coaching youth baseball and softball teams for many years. He was elected to the Village Board and was a member of the Palisade Community Foundation. In recent years, he was especially involved as the financial officer for the Palisade Pioneer Credit Union and as an investor in the Pioneer Cafe. Frank was also active in state level organizations. He served on the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation Board.

In 1997, Frank retired from Southwest Public Power District following 40 years of employment. Late in his career at SWPPD, one primary role was to promote economic development for Southwest Nebraska. In this capacity, he served in many different economic development organizations.

His hobbies included golfing, woodworking, gardening, hunting, singing and guitar playing, and following the Husker football team. He especially cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren. Frank was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; and infant sister, Lillian.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty of Palisade; children, Dennis and wife, Patti of Kearney, Kirk and wife, Ellen of Benkelman, Nebraska, Lori Watkins and husband, Wayne of McCook, Nebraska, Patty Johnson and husband, Pat of Daykin, Nebraska; grandchildren, Summer, Nicole, Robbie, Ben and wife, Renee, Char and husband, Curtis, Dee and husband, Abraham, Alicia and husband, Ryan, Jessica and husband, Adam, Brianna, Allison, Miranda, and Erin; great-grandchildren, Jake, Josh, Madison, Trent, Gracelyn, Emma and Lila; sister, Leona Baxter of Palisade; brother, Henry and wife, Janice of Carroll, Iowa; and numerous relatives and friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Palisade Community Foundation, P.O. Box 62, Palisade, NE 69040 or the Palisade United Methodist Church, 103 N. Powell, Palisade, NE 69040.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences to the family.

Funeral services are Friday, 11 a.m., at Palisade United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bonnie McCord officiating. Burial will be in the Palisade Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements