Herman B. Bley

Herman B. Bley

May 6, 1923 - March 22, 2012

NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska -- Herman B. Bley, 88, of North Platte, went home to be with His Lord and Savior, March 22, 2012.

He was born May 6, 1923, to Jacob and Kate (Duhm) Bley at Wauneta, Nebraska. He graduated from Waunita High School, 1941, and entered the army in 1943, taking his favorite verse Romans 8:31. . . ."If God be for us, who can be against us," with him as he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the purple heart and bronze medal.

He married Bonnie Jean Egle in 1946, raised their family on a farm in Hitchcock County, sold insurance for 19 years, and was a lifetime member of Gideon's International. Selling the farm and retiring in 1992, they moved to North Platte to join other family members.

Herman was a man of God and left a wonderful legacy. He was an outgoing person with a great sense of humor which encouraged those around him even through his later years of physical challenges. When asked what kind of encouragement he would give to others, he replied to "Know that God is on your side, stay true and obey Him. He will give you strength for each trial."

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alvin (Nadine) and another infant brother.

Herman is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and children, Jerry (Pat) Bley of Oklahoma, Marsha (Michael) Ryan of North Platte, Janette (Lee) Jones and Terry (Kelly) Bley both of Indiana, grandchildren, Jeff (Tara), Jeremy (Kira), Julie (Michael), Joshua (Rachael), Jordan (Adrienne), Cassie (Michael), Trisha, Savannah, Mikayla, Dawson and Olivia, great grandchildren, Kristopher, Josiah, Kate, Addison, Audrey, Aubrey, and Greyson, brothers Ervin (Elaine) Bley and Raymond (Lois) Bley, and many other close friends and relatives.

A memorial has been established to Gideon's International in honor of Herman and his life long desire to reach others for Christ. You may do so through www.carpentermemorial.com.

Funeral services were today. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors graveside. Visitation was Sunday, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m.

Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.