Waldo J. Barela

OSWALDO J. BARELA Waldo J. Barela, age 79 of Cozad, passed away Friday, August 24, 2012 at the Cozad Community Hospital. Waldo was born June 2, 1933 at Big Spring, Texas to Natividad and Vicenta (Jaure) Barela. He attended school at Big Spring, Texas. Following his schooling Waldo found employment as a picker for various farmers throughout the South and Midwest. The nature of his work had him moving often, and eventually he found himself in Cozad in the mid 1950""s. Waldo worked in steel building construction briefly, before getting a job with Paulsen Inc. While at Paulsen""s he worked as a concrete finisher, which was something that he came to greatly enjoy. Waldo retired from Paulsen""s after 36 years of employment. Waldo enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors. He would often spend time bird and animal watching, and was an avid reader. His most cherished moments were spent with family, as they were always the center of his world. Waldo was a hard worker his entire life, but he also knew how to have fun. He had a great sense of humor, and was always playing practical jokes on people. He loved to laugh, and especially loved to make others laugh. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuenralhome.com. Waldo was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lucia Barela; 4 brothers, Martin, Lorenzo, Juan and Manuel; and a sister, Gloria Cavitt. Waldo is survived by his 4 daughters, Gloria Barela of Washington, Flora (Rick) Manning of East Moline, IL, Vicenta (Roberto) Llanas of Houston, TX, Hope Barela of Lincoln; 2 sons, Jay Barela of Cozad, Marty Barela of Kearney; 20 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; sister, Elvira Barela of Cozad; and many other relatives and friends. Services will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad with Father Don O""Brien officiating. Burial will be in the Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.