Harry M. Petsch

Harry M. Petsch

June 21, 1924 - Feb. 16, 2012

PALISADE, Nebraska -- Harry Milton Petsch was born June 21, 1924 in Hayes County to Guy F. and Jessie (Crosson) Petsch, and passed away Feb. 16, 2012, at the age of 87.

At a young age the family moved to Crosson Homestead south of Wauneta where Harry attended school in a one room school house in Dundy County.

After his father's death in 1936, the family moved to the Palisade area. In 1940 his mother married Wes Crampton and they moved to Palisade, where Harry graduated from high school in 1942. In March 1943 he enlisted in the US army. He was stationed with the Service Command Unit in Phoenix, Arizona. Dec. 11, 1943, he married his high school sweetheart Elsie Pearl Gage at Tempe, Arizona. Following Harry's honorable discharge from the army in February 1946, the couple moved to a farm north of Beverly, Nebraska. In 1952 they moved to Denver, Colorado where he worked for Hires Root Beer and Royal Crown Bottling Company. While at Royal Crown he received an 8 state Regional Quality Control award.

In 1967 they moved to Brighton, Colorado, where he worked for Great Western Sugar Company until his retirement in 1977. They moved back to their farm northwest of Palisade where he enjoyed raising livestock and pursuing his gardening hobby.

In 2002 due to failing health, they sold the farm and moved to Palisade where he resided until his death.

Harry was a lifetime member of the Palisade American Legion Post 318.

Harry faced all of his adversities with dignity and patience. He was a kind and gentle man.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Jessie; step-father, Wes Crampton; infant sister, Madline; brothers, Wayne and Wyle; sisters-in-law, Ethel Petsch and Helen Gage; brother-in-law, Wayne and Johnnie Gage.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elsie of Palisade; sisters-in-law, Millie Petsch of McCook, Iris and husband, Darrell Barnes of Palisade, Betty Gage of Aumsville, Oregon; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Palisade United Methodist Church or the charity of one's choice.

Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, from 4 -- 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook, Nebraska.

Funeral services are Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at the Palisade United Methodist Church in Palisade, Nebraska, with Pastor Bonnie McCord officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Palisade Cemetery.

Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.