Vern W. Bartruff

Vern Walter Bartruff, age 92 of Eustis, passed away Monday, November 26, 2012 at the Cozad Community Hospital. Vern was born February 7, 1920, north of Eustis to Otto and Sofia (Yeutter) Bartruff. He attended District 70 rural school before graduating Eustis High School in 1937. Vern entered the U.S. Army, serving in WWII until he received a medical discharge. Following his discharge, Vern returned to the Eustis area where he worked in farming and other businesses in the community. On May 30, 1944, Vern married Lorraine Backer at Alexandria, Nebraska. The couple made their home in the Eustis area before eventually buying a farm north of town in the late 1940""s. They resided on this farm for the rest of their married lives. Farming was Vern""s passion. He enjoyed farm life, the outdoors, the spring planting, fall harvest, raising and caring for the livestock. His interest in farming extended to service on the Dawson County ASCS Committee for several years. Vern was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church in Eustis. He was also proud to have been a charter member of the Eustis Lion""s Club. Vern and Lorraine enjoyed attending Nebraska football games for more than 30 years. In addition he and Lorraine traveled across the United States enjoying the sites. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with their family in 1994. Vern and Lorraine were proud grandparents attending the activities and events that each grandchild was involved with. Vern took particular pride sharing time with his grandchildren on the farm, walking through the pastures and corn fields, giving driving lessons, and playing card games. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lorraine; sister Lucille Anderson; brother Junior, and an infant brother, Lloyd. Survivors include his son, Dr. Craig Bartruff of Gothenburg; daughter, Dr. Shirley (Robert) Wiggins of Lincoln; 4 sisters Betty Rieker of Farnam, Doris Welle of MN, Marge (Kenneth) Kugler of Elwood, Diane (Danny) Easterday of Eustis; brother, Robert (Evelyn) Bartruff of Eustis; 6 grandchildren; Heidi (Lee)Thurber, Chad(Andrea) Bartruff and Kimberly Bartruff; Jason (Amanda) Wiggins, Jordon Wiggins and Allison Hardy, Jenna (Barrett) Ruud, 6 great grandchildren, Logan and Carson Thurber, Sydney and Blake Bartruff ,Kathryn Bartruff, and Jack Wiggins along with many other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be held on Friday, November 30, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Eustis with Pastor Neil Kloppenborg officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the East Cemetery at Eustis. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Eustis. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.