Bernard H. Koetter

Bernard Henry Koetter

March 3, 1935 - Oct. 3, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Bernard Henry Koetter, age 78, of McCook, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at home in McCook,

Bernard Henry Koetter was born on March 3, 1935, at the family farmhouse north of McCook, Nebraska, 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. 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. To this union seven children were born.

Bernard, a lifelong farmer, raised hogs, sheep and dairy cows with his sons and daughters and 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; two sons, Michael (Merry) of McCook, Todd (Lisa) of McCook and three daughters Sara (David) Blankenship of Minneapolis, Kansas, Lisa (Terry) Einspahr of McCook and Juli (Darin) Newquist of Bothell, Washington; three brothers, Arthur and Richard of McCook, Jim (Barb) of Pocatello, Idaho, and one sister, Veldron Harmon of McCook; 10 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, a hardworking 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; sisters-in-law, Pat and Marilyn Koetter and infant twins, Mark and Mary.

Visitation will be at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook, Nebraska, from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, and Rosary following at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, at St. Patrick Catholic Church McCook, Nebraska, with Father Gary Brethour officiating. Interment following will be in St. Patrick's Calvary Cemetery in McCook.

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

Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.