Raymond K. Stapp

Raymond K. Stapp, age 79 of Gothenburg, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2012 at the Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington. Raymond was born January 22, 1933 at Cozad, Nebraska to Roy and Bessie (Crouse) Stapp, Sr. Ray was a graduate of Cozad High School. Following his schooling, Ray worked as a farm hand for a few years, before entering the U.S. Army in 1953. Ray was stationed in Germany during the service, and following his discharge he returned to Cozad. Ray farmed with his brother Kenneth for many years, north of Cozad. Ray was passionate about the farming and ranching lifestyle, and he enjoyed it for over 55 years, retiring in 2005. Ray was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to hunt. He took great pride in the obedience and training of his Labrador Retrievers that he would always take hunting with him. He also enjoyed time spent around horses and cattle, which was incumbent upon his line of work. Ray had earned his pilot""s license, and absolutely loved spending time in the air flying small planes. He was also a proud member of the Masons. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth; 2 sisters, Eileen Wilcox and Violet Power; 2 sisters-in-law, Cleo and Goldie. Survivors include his brother, Roy Stapp, Jr. of Omaha; nieces and nephews, Stacy (Tim) Easterday of Cozad, Linda Toberer of Daphne, AL, Ann Thompson of Mobile, AL, Steven (Kris) Stapp of Omaha, Rebecca (Gary) Kline of Aurora, IL, Rolanda ""Lannie"" Mees of Powell, WY, Vickie Sanders of Thermopolis, WY, Timothy (Peggy) Power of Cody, WY; and special friend, Marilyn Cheever of Gothenburg. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.